The Federal Government of Nigeria has convened key stakeholders to confront the urgent challenges of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity among the nation’s youth through the Youth Economic Intervention and Deregulation Program (YEIDEP).
At the YEIDEP Implementation Stakeholders Retreat, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, underscored the need to create sustainable economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture and its value chains, to curb unemployment and social disillusionment.
The minister urged stakeholders to take ownership of YEIDEP’s rollout by defining clear responsibilities, developing a roadmap, setting measurable timelines, and ensuring accountability at every stage.
“YEIDEP is not just another government initiative; it is a national mission essential to Nigeria’s peace, stability, and prosperity,” Comrade Olawande said.
He called on participants to collaborate, innovate, and empower young Nigerians to embrace enterprise, resilience, and productivity.
Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, the minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with partners to ensure YEIDEP delivers tangible, lasting benefits for Nigerian youth while contributing to national development.
Providing an update on financial partnerships, the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Warrens Augusta, disclosed that 9 out of 20 invited banks have formally joined YEIDEP, opening accounts, registering beneficiaries, and facilitating financial operations. She added that 3 to 4 additional banks are expected to come on board after meeting the required conditions.
She further revealed that registration for the first tranche of beneficiaries has been completed, with over 8,000 verified participants enrolled.
To ensure effective management, banks are being grouped into clusters, with monitoring frameworks, accountability mechanisms, and timelines already in place.
The YEIDEP Coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, described the programme as a “necessary revolution” for Nigeria’s survival and prosperity. Drawing from his experience across five continents and 77 nations, he stressed that Nigeria’s challenges are not due to a lack of resources or opportunities but rather weak political leadership in the past.
He assured stakeholders that YEIDEP is fully committed to equipping young Nigerians with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, enabling them to drive enterprise, strengthen resilience, and make significant contributions to national progress.