Nigeria’s leading humanitarian activist, serial social entrepreneur, and prominent philanthropreneur, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, has been appointed to spearhead a national youth economic engagement and de-radicalization initiative launched by the Senate Committee on Sports Development in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (NIYEEDEP)
Recall that Iyere had recently withdrew from the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial Poll as the Accord Party candidate, citing a higher national calling. His new role as the Coordinator-General of the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP) has validated his decision to step back from the gubernatorial race.
The official inauguration and public unveiling of NIYEEDEP took place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Meeting Room 107 of the Senate Building at the National Assembly in Abuja. The event gathered numerous dignitaries, including senators, paramount traditional rulers, youth leaders, women’s groups, NGO/CSO leaders, and senior government officials, particularly from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, and Honourable Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, co-hosted the historic event. The leadership of the National Assembly, under H.E. (Dist.) Senator Godswill Akpabio, played a significant role in convening this influential gathering of government representatives, political leaders, and civil society members for the official launch of NIYEEDEP. This innovative grassroots initiative aims to empower youth economically and de-radicalize them as part of a strategic government intervention effort driven by the Nigerian Senate and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
NIYEEDEP was established in response to the pressing issues of youth unemployment and economic exclusion in Nigeria, which contribute to radicalization and rising crime—significant threats to political stability, national security, and economic progress. The program is designed to provide Nigerian youth with the tools and opportunities to become entrepreneurs and change agents, fostering job creation, wealth generation, and poverty reduction. This pioneering effort marks the first collaborative parliamentary and ministerial initiative focused on youth economic empowerment in Nigeria’s political history.
“Our mandate is to leverage sports, entrepreneurship, and various economic opportunities to equip and transform youths into catalysts for job creation, wealth development, and poverty alleviation, all aimed at enhancing youth productivity and promoting national stability and economic recovery,” Iyere stated.
“Our goal is to create 12 million youth farmers and food entrepreneurs within the first two years of our initiative, which commenced on October 30, 2024. We are hitting the ground running; there’s no time to waste. Now is the moment to create jobs for our youth and wealth for families and our nation through agriculture. We possess the land and the youthful energy, so we must act swiftly,” Iyere affirmed.
He emphasized that both he and Honourable Minister Ayodele Olawande are formulating an action plan to realize these objectives through the implementation of NIYEEDEP’s core programs—a collaborative effort initiated by the Senate Committee on Sports Development and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
It is important to note that the “Football Tournament of National Unity” was inaugurated during the launch of the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP) at the Senate Building, marking the beginning of the initiative’s sporting activities. This tournament aims to strengthen national bonds among Nigerians through football. The unveiling of the tournament and its Cup was a joint effort by Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, and Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development. The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) are key partners in this venture, along with several local and international stakeholders. This tournament is expected to attract numerous foreign partners and investors.
“I am pleased to participate in the official inauguration and public unveiling of the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP), a national grassroots initiative designed to empower youth economically. This program is a collaborative effort between the Senate Committee on Sports Development and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
“As the Minister of Youth Development, I am fully committed to providing the necessary resources for the successful implementation of this initiative and its key objectives,” stated Hon. Ayodele Olawande.
“Sports have the power to unite Nigerians, particularly the youth who are its main participants. Beyond fostering unity, sports serve as a vital tool for the economic empowerment and de-radicalization of young people. Youths engaged in sports can also pursue other economic and professional opportunities, leading to job creation and sustainable income for themselves and their families.
“This vision inspired the establishment of the University of Sports and underpins the creation of the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP), launched today, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, by the Senate Committee on Sports Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Sports are for youth, and youth are for sports. Today, we also unveil the Football Cup of National Unity, an annual tournament supported by several prominent European clubs,” declared Senator Ned Nwoko.
The Implementation Committee includes: Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko (Coordinating Chairman), Honourable Ayodele Olawande (Coordinating Minister), HRH. Ahj (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar CFR (Etsu Nupe) as Coordinating Traditional Ruler, Comrade Kennedy Iyere (Coordinator-General), Oluwagbemiga Okenla (Administrative Secretary), Collins Okonkwo (Organizing Secretary), Shedrach Oka (Director of Contacts and Mobilization), Mrs. Ifeoma Onyeoma Agbomah (Director of Corporate Communication), Chief Onwuchelu Michael Emeka (Diaspora Liaison Director), Dr. Alistair Soyode (Director of Media and Publicity), Barrister Greg Omoregbee (Legal Adviser), and Barrister Christian Wogu (Escrow Lawyer).
