Impact Of Youth Empowerment Programme On Poverty Reduction In Kogi State

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the Kogi State Youth Empowerment Programme (KO-YEP) on youth economic empowerment and poverty reduction in Kogi State, Nigeria. The programme, established as a state-level social investment initiative, aims to reduce unemployment and poverty through vocational skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and job creation among youths. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using structured questionnaires and secondary data obtained from relevant government reports, policy documents, and development literature. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, particularly the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), were used to analyze the data and assess the effectiveness of the programme. Findings revealed that KO-YEP has a significant positive effect on youth economic empowerment in Kogi State (r = 0.701, p = 0.000), as well as a significant contribution to poverty reduction among beneficiaries (r = 0.683, p = 0.000). The results indicate that the programme has improved beneficiaries’ access to vocational skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and income-generating activities, thereby enhancing their economic self-reliance and reducing poverty levels. The study concluded that KO-YEP has played an important role in promoting youth empowerment and poverty reduction in Kogi State. However, for its impact to be fully sustained and equitably distributed, there is a need for improved institutional support, expanded rural coverage and strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems.