CHALLENGES AFFECTING YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES IN OGBIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAYELSA STATE

The study investigated the challenges hindering effective participation of youths in empowerment programmes in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Guided by a descriptive survey research design, the study sought to identify the barriers affecting youths’ access to and utilization of available empowerment opportunities. The population comprised all youths in Ogbia Local Government Area, from which a sample of 510 respondents was drawn using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled Youth Empowerment Participation Barriers Questionnaire (YEPBQ), validated by experts and found to have a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.86. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, tables, and charts, while qualitative data from In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were thematically analyzed and triangulated with survey findings. The results revealed that poor awareness (38.4%), geographical distance to training centres (28.2%), corruption and favouritism in selection (18.6%), lack of clear information (10.4%), and inadequate programme funding (4.4%) were the major challenges limiting youth participation. These findings suggest that although empowerment opportunities exist, structural and systemic barriers hinder equitable access. The study concluded that addressing these barriers requires targeted awareness campaigns, decentralization of training centres, transparent selection processes, and sustainable funding mechanisms. It was recommended that government and programme providers collaborate with media houses, traditional leaders, and community-based organisations to improve sensitization, accountability, and inclusiveness in youth empowerment initiatives.