YOUTH ORGANIZATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN AKWA IBOM STATE: A CASE STUDY OF MBOHO MKPARAWA IBIBIO

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.1 Introduction

Youth organization and community development in many societies all over the world is highly dependent on the overall level of the country’s socio-economic development. In the past, it has been viewed in terms of the planned on the production such that while a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Agricultural Production declines, that of the manufacturing industries rises. Prof. Amaty Sen, the 1998 Noble Laureate in economics conceived youth organization of a nation as a multi-dimensional process involve in major changes in social structures, popular attitude and national institution as well as the acceleration of economic growth, reduction of inequality and the eradication of poverty through the provision of basic needs and desires of the individuals social groups and human capital development (Ukpong and George, 2012).

More so, youth are one of the greatest assets that any nation can have (Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999). Youths are not only legitimately regarded as the future leaders, they are, potentially and actually the greatest investment for a country’s development (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999). They serve as a good measure of the extent to which a country can reproduce as well as sustain itself (Olujide, 2008). The extent of their vitality, responsible conduct and roles in society is positively correlated with the development of their country (Zonal Youth Summits, 2000). Hence, they are seen as vital sources of manpower for development (Odusanya, 1972, Olujide, 1999). The youth also constitute the major resource base for any country that want to embark on any meaningful rural development projects (Olujide, 2008). Sharing this sentiment, Lagun(2002), observes  that investment in the youth is the only way to ensure the future growth and development of any country. For Fenley (1986) they constitute the highest percentage of rural population.

Therefore, the consequences of neglecting the youths can be measured in terms of major losses attributed to persistent youth restiveness and it attendant evils. Unproductive youth population in Akwa Ibom State is a great social problem in the sense that they do not generate income for the state or contribute to community development. In Akwa Ibom State today, youth organizations and community development does not only affect their socio-personal life but also with their well being.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

It has been emphasized that Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as an apex youth organization in Akwa Ibom State have been in existence for more than a decade. Her aims and objectives tend to enhance unity among Akwa Ibom youths. However, it can be argue that this youth’s organization has not lived to its expectations in eliminating ethnicity, tribal biases and enhance sustainable development in Akwa Ibom community.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study aimed at:

1. To expose the extent to which youth organizations have contributed to community development in Akwa Ibom State.
2. To examine the roles of youth organization in sustaining peace and unity in Akwa Ibom State.

• To provide the general public with vast knowledge toward the impact of youth organizations in community development.

1. To expose the role of youth organization in curbing rural-urban migration through the provision of social and economic amenities among communities in Akwa Ibom State.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What role does youth organization play in sustaining unity among Akwa Ibom communities?
2. How do youth organizations contribute to community development I Akwa Ibom State?

• Has your community benefitted from the programme of youth organizations?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The research intend to:

1. Positively help Akwa Ibom youths to understand their roles in community development.
2. Help youths to embrace the benefits of youth participation in developing their communities.
3. Help in creating a participating attitude among youths as an ancillary to nation building.
4. Create awareness among Akwa Ibom youths towards the need to live in unity as an imperative to community development.
5. Create a synergy for peace, unity, progress and development.

1.6 Scope/Limitations of the Study

The scope of this work centers on the contributions of youth organization toward community development using Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio as a case study. In the course of this research, some constraints emerged at different stages. One of such constraints include the rise in the cost of printing materials, lack of print materials in relation to this subject of study and problem of data collection. Also, finance inadequacy and uncompromising attitudes of some respondents affect the smooth and fast actualization of this study.

• Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined as it relates to the work.

Youth:  According to Nigeria’s National Development Policy (2001), the youth comprises all young persons of ages 18 to 35, who are citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For Alao (1978) youth has been defined as individuals male or female, above ten but below thirty years of age. The youth has also been defined as the period in an individual’s life which runs between the end of childhood and entry into the world of work (Onuekwusi and

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