COMBATING UNEMPLOYMENT AND YOUTH CRIMINALITY IN ALA IGBO USING AKURUOULO PRINCIPLE: A FOCUS ON IMO STATE OKOBI

Abstract

This research titled “Combating Unemployment and Youth Criminality in Ala Igbo Using Akuruoulo Principle with a Focus on the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI)” seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI), rooted in the Igbo Akuruoulo principle (of investing at home), in addressing youth unemployment and criminality in Southeast Nigeria’s Ala Igbo region. Using questionnaires to collate data, a survey of 54 Traditional Rulers and Youth Presidents across Imo State’s 27 Local Government Areas assessed OKOBI’s impact. Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations: OKOBI reduced unemployment (r = 0.568, p = 0.001) and criminality (r = 0.681, p = 0.001). Respondents agreed (mean scores: 3.2–3.26) that OKOBI engages youths in vocational skills and community enterprises, displacing incentives for crime. The findings highlight the efficacy of culturally embedded models in fostering economic inclusion and social stability. Recommendations include scaling OKOBI through investments in vocational training, infrastructure, and mentorship while integrating the Akuruoulo principle into policy to incentivise communal wealth redistribution. Addressing structural barriers like access to capital and formalising kinship-driven businesses are critical for sustainability. This study underscores the potential of indigenous, community-centric strategies to combat systemic unemployment and crime, offering a replicable framework for similar contexts.