IMPACT OF YOUTH ORGANIZATION'S PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANGWA-RUKUBA COMMUNITY IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper focused on the impact of youth organization on the development of Angwa-Rukuba Community in Jos North Local Government of Plateau State, Nigeria. Development of any community all over the world depends largely on the extent to which all members of that community (men. Women, and youths) can collectively pull their resources together to meet the needs of their community. Youth organizations within a community usually collaborate with other members of the community to bring about the desired change to their community. This study focused on these three research questions: What are the various factors contributing to the effective mobilization of youths for participation in community development? What are the impacts of Angwa-Rukuba youths organization on the development of their community? and What are the constraints of participation of Angwa-Rukuba youths in the development of their community. The population studied comprised of all registered members of Angwa-Rukuba “Boys” youth organization which was 306. A sample of 45 members and five members of executives were randomly selected for the study. A 24- item structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data obtained was analyzed using simple percentages count. The results shows that the factors influencing AngwaRukuba youths' participation in community development project are projects meeting their felt needs, development interest, and peer pressure. Impact of Angwa-Rukuba youth is being felt in the areas of traffic control, security, environmental sanitation, citizen mobilization and promotion of cultural activities. However, their influence was not being felt in the area of education, health, and provision of rural infrastructure. Among the identified problems militating against youth activities in the community are inter-tribal violence, financial constraints, suspicion of youth by adults and insecurity. The paper recommended among other things that government should ensure peace and stability in our communities, organize training workshops for youth leaders, and that the adults in our communities should have a strong trust in the activities of their youths in order to make them participate actively in the development of their communities