EMPOWERING YOUTH LEADERSHIP TO TACKLE INSECURITIES IN OGWASHI-UKU AND IBUSA IN ANIOCHA SOUTH AND OSHIMILI NORTH L.G.A, DELTA STATE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Sr No:
Page No:
30-37
Language:
English
Authors:
Obi Martins Okwudiri, Aziwe Nwakaego Ihuoma, Nwagbala Stella Chinelo Ph.D, Ezeanokwasa Francisca Nkiruka Ph.D
Received:
2025-09-14
Accepted:
2025-11-18
Published Date:
2025-11-29
Abstract:
The issues of insecurity in the Niger Delta, particularly in communities such as
Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa in Aniocha South and Oshimili North, respectively in Delta State has
experienced persistent threats including kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and
other forms of criminal activity and these insecurities are largely attributed to factors such as
political exclusion and limited economic opportunities for the youth, which collectively
contribute to social instability and community fragility. This study employed a quantitative
research design to investigate the nexus between youth development and insecurity reduction.
Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample size of 400
respondents, derived from a target population of 72,000 youths using Yamane’s (1967) formula
with a 5% margin of error. Out of the 400 questionnaires, 370 were validly completed and
returned. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, while hypotheses were tested
through the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient with the aid of SPSS (version 27)
at a 5% significance level. The first hypothesis test revealed a significant and strong positive
correlation (r = 0.684, p < 0.00, n = 370) between youth empowerment initiatives and insecurity
reduction. The second hypothesis test demonstrated a moderately strong positive relationship (r
= 0.592, p < 0.01, n = 370) between youth leadership engagement and the reduction of cultrelated activities. The study concludes that youth-focused strategies are vital to addressing
insecurity in the Niger Delta. It recommends targeted leadership and peacebuilding training,
alongside expanded entrepreneurial and skills development programs to mitigate the socioeconomic drivers of crime.
Keywords:
Youth leadership, empowerment, insecurity, community policing, youth livelihoods.