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Creativity in Crisis: Youth Cultural Expressions and Innovations Amid Insecurity in Bokkos, Nigeria

Thaddeus Grace Sofi PhD; Iliya Ayuba Ajang PhD

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between insecurity and youth cultural expressions in Bokkos, Nigeria, a region grappling with recurring crises of violence and instability. While insecurity often leads to the suppression of cultural practices, this study argues that it simultaneously fosters new creative outlets among young people, allowing them to resist marginalization and articulate their identities amidst chaos. The paper begins by outlining the broader context of insecurity in Nigeria, focusing on its effects on the youth population, who face profound disruptions in their daily lives. Through fieldwork, interviews, and participant observation in Bokkos, the research identifies various creative responses that young people adopt to cope with insecurity, including music, dance, fashion, digital art, and religious expressions. These forms of cultural expression not only offer a means of personal and collective catharsis but also serve as vehicles for political, social, and religious commentary, providing a sense of agency in a volatile environment. Particularly significant is the role of religious and traditional cultural frameworks in shaping these creative expressions. The paper explores how youth in Bokkos blend aspects of African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity to reframe their experiences and envision alternative futures. The resilience of these expressions is further evident in the ways they maintain cultural continuity and adapt to modern forms of media and communication. Despite the harsh realities of insecurity, the youth in Bokkos demonstrate a remarkable capacity for innovation, resilience, and solidarity. Ultimately, the study highlights the dual role of insecurity: as a destructive force that disrupts communal bonds, and as a catalyst for the emergence of new forms of cultural and creative expression.

Keywords

YouthInsecurityCultural ExpressionCreativityBokkosNigeriaInnovation

References

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