Impact of Digital Entrepreneurship on Crime Reduction among Youth in Osogbo Metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study explores the ongoing problem of juvenile crime in Osogbo Metropolis, where unemployment, socioeconomic pressures, and unequal access to legal income sources push many young people toward criminal behaviour. It assesses whether digital entrepreneurship can provide sustainable financial opportunities that reduce juvenile crime and promote lawful livelihoods. A total of 250 young individuals-including students, digital entrepreneurs, and unemployed persons-were specifically chosen to participate in a descriptive survey. Data were gathered through structured questionnaire, and analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. The results show a strong, statistically significant relationship between reducing crime and engaging in digital entrepreneurship. The strongest correlation was found between a decrease in crime and involvement in online business ventures (r = 0.65, p = 0.003), income generated through digital channels (r = 0.70, p = 0.002), and access to digital tools and training (r = 0.72, p = 0.001). Additionally, there was a notable correlation between youth participation in government and non-governmental organisation digital empowerment programmes (r = 0.61, p = 0.005). Respondents believed digital entrepreneurship greatly lowered their risk of engaging in illegal activities by fostering economic independence, self-esteem, and access to legal options. The study concludes that digital entrepreneurship can be an effective approach to reducing juvenile crime in urban settings, particularly where unemployment and social inequality are prevalent. It recommends reforming laws to expand access to ICT infrastructure, increasing funding for youth-centered digital projects, and integrating digital literacy into school curricula. By encouraging inclusive digital involvement, stakeholders may help create safer and more economically resilient communities.
Keywords
Digital entrepreneurship, human capital development, Osogbo metropolis, urban unemployment, youth crime