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Ikenna Ngere
Guest
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an ambitious plan to generate 20 million jobs for young people over the next 24 months through the newly introduced Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP).
Naija News understands that this youth-focused socio-economic intervention, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Senate Committee on Sports Development, aims to revolutionize entrepreneurship across key sectors, including agriculture, agro-allied industries, technology, entertainment, renewable energy, and food and beverage.
One of NIYEEDEP’s flagship initiatives, the Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme, targets the creation of 12 million youth farmers within two years, aiming to tackle unemployment and enhance food security.
Empowering Youths for Nation-Building
During the public unveiling of NIYEEDEP’s 2025–2027 Action Plan in Abuja on December 2, 2024, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called on Nigerian youths to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in building a prosperous and stable nation.
Acknowledging the economic struggles faced by young people, Olawande stressed the importance of positioning youths as solution providers and agents of positive change.
He affirmed that NIYEEDEP was established to provide platforms for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“Comrade Kennedy Iyere came with sincerity of intention when he suggested the idea of creating NIYEEDEP to the Nigerian Senate and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. We all know who he is, as a man of courage and uncommon capacity.
“He campaigned against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and vigorously opposed his political mandate. To think of it that he is today the Coordinator-General of NIYEEDEP, is indeed a lesson for all. President Tinubu has a listening ear, the economic engagement of youths tops his priority list.
“This is why the youths of Nigeria should key into the economic activities of NIYEEDEP and join forces in driving the desired rapid economic recovery and development regardless of our political affiliations,” Olawande said.
Opportunities for Economic Transformation
The Minister urged youths to embrace the opportunities provided by NIYEEDEP, which includes initiatives such as Food4All, Waste2Wealth, Arts4Money, Tech4Jobs, and Mentee2CEO.
These programs are designed to foster entrepreneurship, alleviate poverty, and promote socio-economic growth.
He also announced that recruitment for the Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme would begin on December 9, 2024, offering mass employment opportunities while boosting agricultural production and food self-sufficiency.
Comrade Iyere’s Vision for Nigerian Youths
Speaking as the Coordinator-General of NIYEEDEP, Comrade Kennedy Iyere praised the collaborative efforts that led to the program’s creation, particularly the contributions of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko and the 10th National Assembly.
“I believe in Nigeria and sure know that its protracted economic underdevelopment will no longer exist for too long. Ours is a country blessed with abundant natural and human resources. We are the most intelligent people you can find on planet earth, who are also the most hardworking.
“But all we need do, at this point, is to come together and join forces to rebuild our lost economic greatness through a socio-economic transformation movement driven by the youths. It is for this same reason that I championed the creation of the ‘Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP)'”, Iyere affirmed.
He expressed confidence in the program’s ability to address unemployment and foster economic stability, emphasizing that NIYEEDEP’s interventions will serve as a foundation for a brighter future for Nigerian youths.
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