Publication Details
Abstract
This paper examined the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rural areas in Delta State. The paper argued that achieving sustainable development goals in rural areas in Delta State can be feasible through deliberate and robust implementation of youth empowerment programmes. Rural Delta State grapples with a high poverty rate, high unemployment rate and environmental degradation, limited access to quality education among others which affect both the youth and the rural areas. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) put in place by the United Nations in 2015, provide a global blueprint for addressing crucial issues as poverty, health, education etc. by the year 2030. Achievement of these goals require deliberate policies and programmes including youth empowerment of the youth in rural areas. The paper noted that despite the implementation of different youth programmes towards achieving and driving sustainable development goals in rural areas in Delta State, the needed optimum results have not been achieved and this is a concern. The paper relied on secondary sources of data while data was analyzed using content analysis. The major findings of this paper among others are that despite the successes, the youth programmes in Delta State face unique challenges including poor road network, poor health care, and limited access to electricity and inadequate educational facilities etc. The paper concluded that while challenges remain, continued investment and strategic improvements in the implementation can enhance the impact of these youth programmes thereby ensuring a brighter future for the youth of Delta State. The paper recommended among others, increase in funding, strengthening the monitoring and evaluation of youth empowerment programmes, collaboration and partnership. These measures if implemented will transform the lives of the youth in rural areas in Delta State thereby making lives more meaningful.