IMPACT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING ON YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN AKOKO EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO

The study investigated the impact of entrepreneurial training on youth employment within Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research questions were raised and answered. The research design adopted for this study is the cross-sectional research design. The population for this study comprised of all the 404,218 residents from four (4) towns in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, namely: Igarra, Enwan, Ekpedo, and Ososo. The
sample size for this study consisted of four hundred (400) respondents. The data collected for this study were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions and percentages, were employed to provide a preliminary summary of the respondents’ demographic characteristics and response patterns. Findings from the study revealed that workshops and seminars play a significant role in equipping youths with practical skills, technical knowledge, and business exposure that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial readiness. It was concluded that well- structured entrepreneurial training initiatives are instrumental in shaping a productive, economically active, and self-reliant youth population. Based on the findings, it was recommended that government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations
should organize more frequent and well-structured entrepreneurial workshops and seminars across Akoko Edo to ensure that youths acquire practical skills relevant to current labour market needs.