FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUTHS' RESTIVENESS IN PALKO TOWN, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the factors responsible for youth restiveness in Paiko Town, Niger State, Nigeria, and strategies for addressing this challenge. The study has these objectives: to identify the factors responsible for youths' restiveness in Paiko Town, Niger State, Nigeria, and to find out the ways for curbing youth restiveness in Paiko Town, Niger State, Nigeria. A quantitative approach was adopted using a descriptive survey design. Data was collected from 360 respondents to identify key drivers and effective intervention approaches. The findings revealed that social inequality and injustice were the most significant factors driving youth restiveness (98.6%), followed by unemployment and economic marginalization (98.1%) and educational deficiencies and illiteracy (98.1%). Poor child upbringing and family dysfunction also emerged as a critical factor (97.5%). Regarding intervention strategies, Employment Creation and Economic Empowerment was identified as the most effective approach (98.6%), followed by Good Governance and Political Inclusion (96.1%) and Educational Reform and Skills Development (93.3%). The study concludes that youth restiveness in Paiko Town is primarily driven by structural inequalities and systemic failures rather than individual behavioral problems. The findings recommend comprehensive, multisectoral interventions prioritizing economic empowerment, social justice reforms, and governance improvements to effectively address youth restiveness and promote sustainable community development.