The federal government has convened a stakeholders meeting on tackling poverty, youth unemployment, and insecurity through the Youth Economic Intervention and Deregulation Program (YEIDEP).
During the YEIDEP Implementation Stakeholders Retreat, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the urgent need to address the increasing challenges of economic hardship, violent extremism, crime, and antisocial behavior among young people.
He emphasized that the key to solving these issues lies in creating sustainable economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture and its associated value chains, to alleviate unemployment and disillusionment.
The minister called on stakeholders to take ownership of the YEIDEP initiative by clearly defining roles, developing a strategic plan, establishing measurable timelines, and ensuring accountability throughout the process.
“YEIDEP is not merely another government program; it is a national mission vital to Nigeria’s peace, stability, and prosperity,” Comrade Olawande stated on Tuesday.
He encouraged participants to work together, innovate, and empower young Nigerians to pursue entrepreneurship, resilience, and productivity.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi, the minister reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to collaborating closely with partners to ensure that YEIDEP provides tangible, lasting benefits for Nigerian youth while also contributing to national development.
Read Also:
- YEIDEP breaks silence, provides update on fund disbursement to applicants
- FG rolls out YEIDEP grants amid growing doubts over past failed youth empowerment Initiatives
- Ministry commences bank accounts collection for YEIDEP fund disbursement
In an update on financial partnerships, the ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Warrens Augusta, reported that nine out of 20 invited banks have officially joined YEIDEP, opening accounts, registering beneficiaries, and facilitating financial operations.
She noted that three to four additional banks are expected to join once they fulfill the necessary criteria.
Furthermore, she announced that registration for the first group of beneficiaries has been completed, with over 8,000 verified participants enrolled.
The YEIDEP Coordinator, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, referred to the program as a “necessary revolution” for Nigeria’s survival and prosperity.
Drawing on his experiences across five continents and 77 countries, he asserted that Nigeria’s challenges stem not from a lack of resources or opportunities, but from ineffective political leadership in the past.
He assured stakeholders that YEIDEP is committed to equipping young Nigerians with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed, empowering them to foster entrepreneurship, enhance resilience, and make significant contributions to national progress.
