Socio-Economic Characteristics and Survival Strategies among Homeless Youths in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-economic characteristics of homeless youths in Ogun State, Nigeria, by examining their socio-economic profile, analysing their housing choice and social welfare, and examining the physical and environmental characteristics of homeless locations in Ogun State. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to sampled 119 homeless youths aged 18 years and above, across the three most populated homeless locations, namely, major markets (10), major motor parks (8), and flyovers (5) in Abeokuta, Ota, and Ijebu-Ode. Findings revealed that homelessness among youths in Ogun State is predominantly male-driven, with most respondents being young, single, and having a low level of educational attainment. Economic hardship, unemployment, and low income emerged as major drivers of homelessness, while social neglect, poverty, and high levels of insecurity were identified as the most pressing challenges faced by homeless youths in the study area. The majority had limited access to formal healthcare, sanitation, and government welfare support. Despite prolonged stays in informal locations, most respondents expressed a strong desire to exit homelessness and aspired to stable housing. The study concluded that to address homelessness in Ogun state is a multi-dimensional problem rooted in poverty, urban growth, poor planning,
and environmental challenges.