COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study looked to evaluate community development and youth empowerment in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to evaluate community development and youth empowerment in Benin City. The research questions asked to achieve the objective of the study were as follows; What is the Current State of Community Development and Youth Empowerment in Benin City, What are the Key Challenges and Barriers Impeding Community Development and Youth Empowerment in Benin City, and What Strategic Recommendations Can Be Made to Enhance Community Development and Empower Youth in Benin City. The sample size was 301 participants chosen from the study population using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling, the research instrument utilized was the questionnaire. Conclusion drawn from the analysis of the data retrieved from the questionnaire unveiled a concerning state of affairs in Benin City. Crumbling infrastructure, environmental degradation from pollution and waste management issues, and limited economic prospects paint a bleak picture for residents. This constrained environment disproportionately impacts its youth, a significant demographic facing a multitude of barriers. Unemployment, underemployment, and limited access to quality education and entrepreneurial support systems leave them feeling frustrated and overlooked. Societal norms and cultural expectations can further restrict youth empowerment, particularly for women and marginalized groups, exacerbating existing inequalities.Recommendations were made based on the findings and one of the recommendations: Allocate resources towards a strategic and phased improvement of the city's electrical grid, water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and road networks. Prioritize renewable energy sources like solar power for a sustainable future. This could involve public-private partnerships with energy companies to leverage expertise and financing.