The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has encouraged Nigerian youths to take part in the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP). The goal of the programme is to reduce youth unemployment and help young people who feel left out of the economy.
Olawande was represented by Dr. Warrens Augusta, the Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry, during the YEIDEP Stakeholders’ Forum held recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
At the event, which was sponsored by Alpha Morgan Bank, the Minister said YEIDEP shows the Federal Government’s strong commitment to fighting unemployment, poverty, and youth radicalisation—problems that threaten Nigeria’s peace, security, and development.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for launching YEIDEP, saying Nigerian youths should be thankful for this effort to support their economic future. He added that, with proper implementation, YEIDEP will help reduce the negative effects of poverty and exclusion.
The National Coordinator of YEIDEP, Kennedy Iyere, urged governors and politicians to support the programme. He stressed that YEIDEP is key to solving the serious problem of youth unemployment and preventing unrest and radicalisation.
Iyere warned that Nigeria’s youth unemployment is a “ticking time bomb” and said YEIDEP offers a chance to avoid political and social crisis. He called on government bodies, rich Nigerians, and international partners to invest in the programme.
Adedoyin Anyaehie, Executive Director at Alpha Morgan Bank, praised President Tinubu, Minister Olawande, and Kennedy Iyere for their leadership. She said the bank is fully committed to supporting young people and women through YEIDEP.
She explained that YEIDEP supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With about 60 to 70 percent of Nigerians under the age of 30—around 160 to 170 million people—Nigeria has great potential for growth if its youth are empowered.
“Nigerian youth are not just the future; they are the present. They are our biggest strength,” she said. She added that Alpha Morgan Bank supports YEIDEP because it shares the goal of building a safe, successful, and fair Nigeria for all.
The Port Harcourt event brought together community leaders, religious heads, NGOs, civil society groups, cooperatives, women’s organisations, and youth groups. Their aim was to plan how YEIDEP can help create jobs for 20 million young Nigerians through entrepreneurship and self-employment.
