International Research and Academic scholar society

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
GoogleScholar: Click here
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.

Journal: IRASS Journal of Economics and Business Management
ISSN(Online): 3049-1320
Publisher: IRASS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

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