Training Needs of Youth Leaders in Egor, Ikpoba-Okha and Oredo Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined training needs of youth leaders in Ikpoba-Okha, Egor and Oredo Local Government Areas of Edo State. One Hundred and twenty youth leaders randomly drawn from selected youth organizations were used as study respondents. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to obtain data on respondents’ personal characteristics, participation in and retraining in leadership skills. Data were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at p= 0.05. Findings show that most of the youth leaders were males (56.7%), singles (68.3%) while 31.7% were within the age bracket 18 -25 years and holders of OND/NCE (30.0%). Training needs were expressed as highly required in motivating other youths ( x=3.25), promotion of community service ( x=3.05) and discussion of current issues ( x=3.18). Youths leadership training needs showed significant positive relationship with family size(r=0.23) and educational level (r=0.29). Capacity building for the youth leaders in identified areas should be done by relevant government youth development agencies. The need to develop youth leadership in income generating activities, agriculture and home management was also recommended.