Youth empowerment scheme in a democratic setting: A case study of Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The level of unemployment, poverty and hunger in the developing countries especially Nigeria is high. It has been estimated that six out of every ten of the world's poor are youths. This study examined the involvement of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in a democratic setting with reference to Youth Empowerment Scheme in Niger State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from 232 respondents. The respondents were purposively selected with 78 respondents from zone I, 77 respondents from zone 11 and 77 respondents from zone III of the three Agricultural zones in the state. Results obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan multiple range tests was used for mean separation. It was found that all the respondents had the enterprise/life skills which were mainly acquired through the Youth Empowerment Scheme Project. Most of them earned between ₦200 - ₦300 daily from their separate enterprises. There was significant relationship between educational statics and the level of income of the beneficiaries. There was also significant difference in the level of income of the type of relevant skills acquired/enterprise of the beneficiaries. However, there was no significant relationship between the methods of setting up of enterprises and the level of income of beneficiaries. The study concluded that acquisition of life skills should be encouraged by all stakeholders in youth development. Government and other related agencies should focus on the youths; their needs, potentials and development so that unemployment and poverty will be greatly reduced in our society.