EVALUATING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS AND AWARENESS LEVELS IN OGBIA LGA

Youth empowerment has emerged as a critical component of sustainable development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where young people represent a significant proportion of the population. In Nigeria, various governmental and non-governmental initiatives have been implemented to address youth unemployment, enhance skills acquisition, and promote entrepreneurship. These programmes aim to equip young people with the necessary competencies to contribute meaningfully to economic growth while reducing social challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and crime.In Bayelsa State, several youth-focused initiatives, including the Bayelsa Youth Empowerment Scheme (BYES), Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture (EYiA), and vocational training programmes, have been introduced to enhance employability and entrepreneurial capacity among youths. These initiatives are designed to support engagement in key sectors such as agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), and small-scale enterprise development. Despite the existence of these programmes, questions remain regarding the level of awareness among youths and their actual access to such empowerment opportunities.This study examines the extent of youth awareness and access to empowerment initiatives in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. It also explores the effectiveness of information dissemination channels and identifies barriers limiting youth participation in these programmes. Understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing the impact of empowerment schemes and improving policy implementation strategies.Findings from this study are expected to provide insights into how empowerment initiatives are perceived and accessed by youths at the grassroots level. The study further highlights the need for improved communication strategies, inclusive programme design, and stronger institutional support to enhance youth participation in empowerment initiatives. Ultimately, enhancing awareness and access to such programmes is vital for promoting youth development, reducing unemployment, and fostering sustainable socio-economic growth in the region