The Federal Government has convened key stakeholders to tackle the challenges of youth poverty, unemployment, and insecurity under the Youth Economic Intervention and Deregulation Programme (YEIDEP).
Speaking at the YEIDEP Implementation Stakeholders’ Retreat, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the urgent need to address rising economic hardship, violent extremism, crime, and antisocial behavior among Nigerian youth.
He stressed that sustainable economic opportunities, particularly through agriculture and its value chains, remain central to reducing unemployment and restoring hope.
The Minister called on stakeholders to take ownership of YEIDEP’s rollout by defining roles, setting measurable timelines, creating a roadmap, and ensuring accountability at every stage.
“YEIDEP is not just another government initiative; it is a national mission critical to Nigeria’s peace, stability, and prosperity,” Olawande said. He urged participants to collaborate, innovate, and empower young Nigerians to embrace enterprise, resilience, and productivity.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to work with partners to ensure YEIDEP delivers real, lasting benefits to young Nigerians while contributing to national development.
On financial partnerships, the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Warrens Bekearadebo Augusta, disclosed that 9 of 20 invited banks have joined YEIDEP, opening accounts, registering beneficiaries, and facilitating transactions. She added that 3–4 more banks are expected to join soon.
She confirmed that registration for the first tranche of beneficiaries has been completed, with over 8,000 verified participants enrolled. To ensure effective management, banks have been grouped into clusters, supported by monitoring frameworks, accountability measures, and timelines.
The YEIDEP Coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, described the programme as a “necessary revolution” for Nigeria’s survival and prosperity. Drawing from his international experience across five continents and 77 countries, he argued that Nigeria’s setbacks were the result of weak political leadership, not a lack of resources or opportunities.
Iyere assured stakeholders that YEIDEP is committed to equipping young Nigerians with skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive—positioning them as drivers of enterprise, resilience, and national progress.
ADEOLA KUNLE
