2.2 Research Participants
The population used for this study comprise of 543 operators of SMEs selected from five urban locations in
Akwa Ibom State. The locations and number of respondents used were Uyo/Itu (151), Eket/Ibeno (132), Oron
(97). Idu Uruan (23), Etinan (31), Ikot Ekpene (109). These figures were however, obtained from the Registry of
Bureau of Cooperative Society, Akwa Ibom State.