Entrepreneurship Empowerment and Gainful Employment: Panacea for Youth Restiveness in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is the world’s third largest wetland. Its’
rich crude oil deposit has attracted several oil and gas Multinational
Corporations, whose exploitative and explorative activities have rendered its
hitherto viable economy, unproductive. The prevailing high incidence of
kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and many other social disorders, which are
believed to be poverty and unemployment induced, are direct consequences
of the environmentally destructive activities of these Corporations. This study
is aimed at determining the readiness of vulnerable Niger Delta youths to
accept gainful employment and entrepreneurship empowerment, which were
considered as alternatives that could possibly resuscitate their economies.
Questionnaires were used to gather data from 900 resident respondents.
Analysis revealed that the youths were willing to eschew violence and pursue
legitimate means of livelihood. It was recommended that government in
collaboration with the Multinational Corporations should offer the youths
opportunities for entrepreneurship empowerment and gainful employment.