ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTHS IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the connection between entrepreneurial development programs and socioeconomic development among youths in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the
relationships between creativity, innovation, mentorship, and key indicators such as gross domestic
product (GDP) and employment among youths. Using mixed methods, the study collected data from
426 small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) registered with SMEDAN and operating in Bayelsa
State. The Taro Yamane method was used to determine the sample size for quantitative data
analysis. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, mail surveys, and phone surveys.
Descriptive analysis techniques and regression analysis were then applied, with the help of SPSS
software. The results showed a strong positive correlation between creativity and youth GDP
(0.849), with a significant p-value of 0.043. Similarly, there was a strong positive correlation (0.866)
between innovation and youth employment indicating that fostering innovation can reduce youth
unemployment. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the state government collaborate
with educational institutions and private sector organizations to establish creativity workshops and
training sessions for youths. These programs should focus on developing critical thinking, problemsolving, and artistic skills that can be applied to various entrepreneurial ventures.