The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to confront the challenges of youth poverty, unemployment, and insecurity through the Youth Economic Intervention and Deregulation Programme (YEIDEP).
Speaking at the YEIDEP Implementation Stakeholders’ Retreat, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande—represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi—highlighted the urgent need to create sustainable solutions to the rising economic hardship, violent extremism, and antisocial behaviours affecting young Nigerians.
According to the Minister, the success of YEIDEP depends on practical empowerment measures, especially in agriculture and its value chains, to curb unemployment and give young people opportunities for meaningful livelihoods. He called on stakeholders to embrace full ownership of the programme by:
Defining clear roles and responsibilities,
Establishing measurable timelines,
Developing a robust roadmap, and
Ensuring accountability at all levels.
“YEIDEP is more than just another government initiative; it is a national mission critical to Nigeria’s peace, stability, and economic prosperity,” Olawande noted. He urged participants to work collectively to inspire enterprise, resilience, and productivity among Nigerian youth.
Providing financial updates, the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Warrens Bekearadebo Augusta, disclosed that 9 out of 20 invited banks have already partnered with YEIDEP. These banks have opened accounts, registered beneficiaries, and commenced financial operations, while an additional 3–4 banks are expected to join after completing required processes.
She further announced that registration for the first batch of beneficiaries has been finalized, with over 8,000 verified participants enrolled. To ensure smooth execution, banks are being clustered and supported with monitoring frameworks, accountability measures, and strict timelines.
The YEIDEP National Coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, described the programme as a “necessary revolution” for Nigeria’s economic survival and growth. Drawing from his international development experience across five continents and 77 countries, he argued that Nigeria’s struggles stem not from a lack of resources, but from poor leadership in the past.
Iyere assured stakeholders that YEIDEP is firmly positioned to equip Nigerian youth with skills, resources, and opportunities—empowering them to drive entrepreneurship, strengthen resilience, and make significant contributions to national development.
