Abuja, Nigeria – March 2025 – The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a 24-month action plan aimed at creating 20 million jobs for Nigerian youths under the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP). The initiative is a pro-youth socio-economic intervention scheme, jointly driven by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Nigerian Senate’s Committee on Sports Development.
Empowering Youths Through Economic Opportunities
The YEIDEP program is designed to ignite an entrepreneurship revolution that will generate millions of jobs in key sectors such as:
- Agriculture and Agro-Allied Industries
- Food and Beverage Production
- Technology and Digital Innovation
- Entertainment Industry
- Renewable Energy
One of the core interventions under this initiative is the ‘Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme,’ which is projected to create 12 million youth farmers within the next 24 months.
A Call for Youth Participation
Unveiling the Plan of Action for 2025–2027 in Abuja, Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, emphasized the need for Nigerian youths to actively participate in the program. He urged them to align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in rebuilding a stronger, more resilient economy.
Olawande acknowledged the current economic challenges faced by Nigerian youths but stressed that economic self-empowerment is key to overcoming these hardships. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating the necessary economic platforms to enable youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.
The Role of YEIDEP in Economic Growth
According to Olawande, it was established to:
- Provide economic solutions that empower young Nigerians.
- Position youths as agents of national development.
- Facilitate job creation across multiple industries.
- Promote social transformation and economic stability.
He called on Nigerian youths to leverage YEIDEP’s opportunities to achieve financial independence and contribute to national progress.
Kennedy Iyere’s Role in YEIDEP
The Coordinator-General, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Senate for its support in bringing the initiative to life. He highlighted the importance of rescuing Nigerian youths from economic struggles and providing them with the tools they need to thrive.
Iyere specifically thanked Senator Ned Nwoko, the acting chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, for his role in facilitating YEIDEP’s implementation.
A United Vision for Economic Recovery
Olawande commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment, urging Nigerian youths to set aside political differences and focus on driving economic recovery through YEIDEP.
“With sincerity of intention, Comrade Kennedy Iyere brought the idea of YEIDEP to the Nigerian Senate and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Today, it is a reality. President Tinubu listens, and youth empowerment is a priority for his administration. This is why every Nigerian youth should take advantage of program and contribute to the nation’s economic recovery and growth,” Olawande stated.
As the 24-month YEIDEP action plan unfolds, Nigerian youths are encouraged to participate actively and utilize the economic opportunities offered by the program to transform their futures and drive national progress.
For updates and participation details, stay tuned to official government and YEIDEP announcements.