The Nigerian Senate, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering youth through sports and education. Dubbed the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP), the program was launched on Wednesday at the National Assembly, promising to reshape opportunities for young Nigerian athletes.
Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, highlighted the core mission of NIYEEDEP—to uncover and nurture untapped young talent across Nigeria.
“The goal is to find hidden gems,” said Sen. Nwoko. “There are countless young talents scattered across Nigeria, waiting for a chance to be seen and heard.”
With international partnerships fueling the program’s vision, Sen. Nwoko revealed that Germany-based football academies are keen to identify promising Nigerian youth, providing them with training that could lead to professional careers abroad.
“These foreign partners, particularly from Germany, are actively seeking Nigeria’s brightest talents for training and development,” he shared. “This could be the opportunity of a lifetime for many young Nigerians.”
Sen. Nwoko, the founder of the Sports University of Nigeria (SUN), underscored his university’s commitment to combining athletic prowess with academic growth. According to him, SUN ensures that young athletes also pursue academic degrees alongside their sports training, setting them up for success both on and off the field.
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“If we discover a talented 16-year-old footballer, enrolling them at SUN won’t just be about sports,” Nwoko explained. “They’re required to pursue another degree, offering them security after their athletic career.”
Sen. Nwoko addressed a common issue among athletes: lack of career options post-retirement. He assured that graduates from SUN would possess academic qualifications they could rely on, reducing the hardships that many retired sports professionals face.
“Many athletes struggle when they retire because they lack educational qualifications. Our partnership with NIYEEDEP is a way to produce well-rounded individuals skilled in both sports and academics,” he affirmed.
The NIYEEDEP initiative is expected to attract broad interest from local sports clubs, schools, and youth groups, providing Nigerian youth with a chance to showcase their talent and represent the nation on a global stage.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, echoed the inclusivity of the program, stating, “This talent hunt is open to everyone interested in football. We want to bring young people together to be productive and elevate their skills.” he stated.
