From Oil Wells to Wellness: Youthpreneurship and Experience-Based Economy Models in Delta State’s Post-Oil Transition

Abstract: This paper investigates the experience economy as a strategic pathway for inclusive and sustainable post‑oil development in Delta State, Nigeria. Despite decades of oil‑derived revenues, the state faces persistent challenges, including rising youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and overdependence on extractive industries. Adopting an ex post facto design, the study integrates qualitative fieldwork, via stakeholder observation and informal dialogues at community events, with secondary analysis of demographic and fiscal data from 2015 to 2023. The study population comprised Delta State’s youth (estimated at 3.35 million in 2023), from which a purposive sample of 120 participants aged 18–35 was engaged across four local government areas. Findings show that youth unemployment rose from 32.5% to 38.5%, underscoring systemic barriers to labour market inclusion. However, six diversification pathways emerged with significant potential: cultural and heritage tourism, eco‑tourism, wellness and lifestyle ventures, creative industries, youth entrepreneurship, and sustainable agribusiness. The study recommends targeted investments in youth‑led enterprise, infrastructure development, and cross‑sectoral partnerships to harness local capacities and reposition the state’s economy toward resilience and regeneration. These findings contribute to an evidence‑based, context‑sensitive framework for sustainable development in post‑oil contexts.