The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with SAMU Technology and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), has launched the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI) — a transformative programme aimed at tackling unemployment, driving economic growth, and advancing environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative is not only about job creation but also about raising a new generation of Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders.
He described CEYEI as a landmark milestone under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and building a greener, inclusive economy.
At the core of CEYEI is the Waste-to-Wealth Project, designed to transform waste into eco-friendly, marketable products while creating sustainable green jobs. The project will provide young people with practical skills, mentorship, access to green technologies, and opportunities to showcase their innovations locally and internationally. An online Waste-to-Wealth platform has also been launched to support registration, networking, investment opportunities, and market expansion.
The Minister further highlighted other ongoing programmes of the Ministry, including:
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Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) for youth protection and capacity-building.
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Digital literacy initiatives in partnership with NITDA.
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The launch of “YO! Health”, a mental health and wellness hub.
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The Youth Cred Scheme, in partnership with Credit Core, which will expand loan access for young people and pave the way for a Youth Bank, MSME Incubator, and National Innovation Hub.
He added that reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are also underway to better align with the aspirations of Generation Z and Millennials.
CEYEI will be implemented nationwide, covering all 36 states and over 990 local government areas, ensuring inclusivity and equal access for youth across regions and backgrounds.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Yusuf Sununu, highlighted that over 3 million Nigerians face a humanitarian crisis, with a global funding gap of $36 billion. He called for greater investment in youth-led waste-to-wealth projects to create jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen national resilience.
Also speaking, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olubunmi Olusanya, emphasized that CEYEI will harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth to turn discarded materials into sustainable livelihoods.
Representing the President of RAN, Blessing Ekwere described the initiative as a bold demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to empowering youth as drivers of change. She noted that by reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling materials, CEYEI will cut emissions, grow the circular economy, and place Nigerian youth at the forefront of climate action.
ADEOLA KUNLE
