EDOJOBS PROGRAMME

This study assessed the impact of the EdoJobs Programme on youth employment and economic empowerment in Benin City, Edo State. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 120 beneficiaries of the programme and analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings show that the programme has moderately reduced youth unemployment in Benin City, with evidence of a drop in unemployment rates over recent years. About 62.5 % of respondents reported improved income levels after participation, while 37.5 % saw no change, suggesting uneven income benefits. Skill acquisition was a major success, as 87.5 % gained useful vocational, ICT, entrepreneurship skills, and 50 % started their own businesses. Training quality was rated high, with 91.7 % agreeing that content was relevant and 88.3 % affirming the competence of facilitators. However, only 41.7 % confirmed receiving adequate post-training support, indicating weak follow-up mechanisms. The main challenges identified were lack of start-up capital (41.7 %), short training duration (25 %), limited job placement (20.8 %), and low programme awareness (12.5 %). The study concludes that EdoJobs has improved youth employability and self-reliance but remains constrained by funding gaps and inadequate post-training support. It recommends stronger government–private sector collaboration, improved access to finance, and continuous mentoring to achieve sustainable youth empowerment in Edo State.