The Nigerian Government has commenced the implementation of the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action (CEYEI), popularly known as the Waste-to-Wealth Programme in Katsina State, with an initial batch of 200 youths undergoing training.
The programme, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills in waste recycling, green entrepreneurship, climate action and sustainable livelihood development.
Speaking at the launch, the Senior Special Assistant on Climate Action to the Minister of Youth Development, Ms Leah Akinfiresoye, who represented the Minister, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative seeks to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities by empowering young people with relevant skills for the emerging green economy.
She commended the Katsina State Government for its support and commitment to youth development, noting that the programme would also promote climate resilience and sustainable development.
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Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Head of Department, Youth Migration and Climate Action, Mr. Adedoyin Oyekan, urged participants to take advantage of the training, describing it as a pathway to self-reliance, job creation and environmental sustainability.
On behalf of Governor Dikko Radda, the Katsina State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Sirajo Yazid-Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Government for selecting the state as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting programmes that enhance youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Katsina State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr Babangida Ruma, encouraged beneficiaries to embrace the principles of the circular economy by converting waste into valuable resources and sustainable sources of income.
According to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, over 200,000 youths registered for the programme nationwide, with more than 16,000 registrations recorded in Katsina State alone.
The Ministry disclosed that the initiative aims to train and empower 37,000 youths across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory within the next two years as part of efforts to promote youth employment, environmental protection and the growth of a sustainable green economy in Nigeria.
