Empowering Youth through Preservation, Technology and Promotion of Traditional Woodcarving in Oke Ogun Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the empowering youth through preservation, promotion, technology and promotion of traditional woodcarving in Oke Ogun area, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: The methodology employed for the study is qualitative (art historical approach). Primary and secondary sources made up the data. Primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews with purposively selected ten practicing woodcarvers in the selected towns of three local government areas in  Oke Ogun, Oyo State., Nigeria. Participant and critical observation where necessary, among the purposively selected woodcarvers were adopted. Photographs of woodcarving objects available at the time of visit were taken. Carvers at work also were captured in photographs. Scholarly references on the related study such as books, magazines and internet were consulted for secondary source of information for the study.

Findings: The study revealed that traditional woodcarving is capable of providing sustainable economic livelihood for youth if technology is  fully integrated into the apprenticeship  training system . There is heavy influence of modernization on the woodcarving practice in in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State. Also most of the youths are not aware of the potential benefits embedded in traditional woodcarving practice. Most carver lack documentation of their past works, once sold out that’s all. Involvement of youth in traditional woodcarving practice in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State promotes cultural heritage and identity. Also the participation of youth enhances skill development, innovation, self-confidence which leads to self-reliance. It was also observed that woodcarvers are facing challenges such as limited market access, inability to blend, improve or fully integrated technology for massive production.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study contributes to existing scholarship on cultural heritage preservation, indigenous knowledge system of apprenticeship and youth empowerment by developing a framework that integrates traditional woodcarving practices with contemporary innovation. It provides practical strategies for sustain woodcarving traditions and increasing youth participation through technology The study proposes evidence based recommendation for cultural preservation, youth empowerment, creative industry development  heritage management in Oke Ogun