HARNESSING THE UNITED NATIONS DECENT WORK AGENDA AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE AS A STRATEGY TO MITIGATE CYBER-FRAUD (OKE-ITE) IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA
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Abstract
This study investigates the potential of the United Nations Decent Work agenda as global labour governance in promoting sustainable growth and efficiency excellence in indigenous industries, focusing on youth employment and reduction in Cyber-Fraud. Specifically, the enquiry interrogates how tailored socioeconomic initiatives, when harmonised with UN global development tenets, especially Sustainable Development Goals, Target 8 can facilitate job creation; tourism and crime prevention. Employing institutional theory framework, this qualitative inquiry explores how localised industrial growth facilitated by targeted social policies, can provide viable options to youth employment, thereby mitigating the upsurge of Cyber-Fraud, locally known as Oke-ite. The data collection for this qualitative study were obtained by means of detailed discussions with youth participants, sectorial experts and decision makers, alongside on-site observation of the manufacturing settings. The study elucidates the interface of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework and local realities, shedding light on how indigenous industries can contribute to achieving decent work, public peace, and equitable development through locally owned businesses. The finding of this investigation highlights the potential of indigenous industries and tourism to provide inclusive and resilient domestic economic progress especially through youth employment and Cyber-Fraud reduction initiatives.
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