The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a 24-month action plan aimed at creating 20 million jobs for young people through the recently launched “Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme” (NIYEEDEP).
This pro-youth socio-economic intervention is jointly managed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Nigerian Senate’s Committee on Sports Development. The plan outlines that these 20 million jobs will be generated through an entrepreneurial revolution in key sectors including agriculture, agro-allied industries, food and beverage, technology, entertainment, and renewable energy, among others. Notably, the “Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme” is one of NIYEEDEP’s entrepreneurship initiatives, designed to cultivate 12 million youth farmers within the 24-month timeframe.
During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, 2nd December 2024, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, emphasised the importance of youth collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government in building a healthy and secure Nigeria. Acknowledging the challenging times faced by Nigerian youths, he stated that the path to overcoming current economic difficulties lies in identifying solutions and positioning themselves as agents of positive change.
The Honourable Minister further affirmed that the pressing need to create economic platforms and opportunities for youths to contribute to nation-building and development was a fundamental reason for establishing NIYEEDEP. He encouraged young people to seize the economic opportunities offered by the Federal Government through NIYEEDEP, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency while also becoming catalysts for political stability, social transformation, and economic progress.
“Comrade Kennedy Iyere approached the Nigerian Senate and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development with genuine intent when proposing NIYEEDEP. He is well-recognised as a man of courage and exceptional ability. It is noteworthy that he campaigned against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and strongly opposed his political mandate. The fact that he now serves as the Coordinator-General of NIYEEDEP is a valuable lesson for all. President Tinubu is receptive to the concerns of the youth, and engaging them economically is a top priority. Therefore, I urge the youth of Nigeria to participate in NIYEEDEP’s economic initiatives and unite in advancing the much-needed rapid economic recovery and development, irrespective of political affiliations,” said Hon Ayodele Olawande.
The Honourable Minister announced that recruitment for the “Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme” will begin on 9th December 2024, aimed at generating mass youth employment, alleviating poverty, and ensuring food production, security, and self-sufficiency through value chain agri-food entrepreneurship. He confidently asserted that the fight against youth unemployment, hunger, and extreme poverty will be won through the successful implementation of the “Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme” within NIYEEDEP. Additionally, he unveiled other entrepreneurial initiatives, including the Food4All Initiative, Waste2Wealth, Arts4Money, Tech4Jobs, Skills2Jobs, Mentee2CEO, and the National Unity Cup Football Tournament, among others.
On his part, Comrade Kennedy Iyere spoke in his official capacity as the Coordinator-General of NIYEEDEP. He began by expressing his gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Youth Development for his passionate patriotism. Iyere emphasised that the urgent need to rescue Nigerian youths from their current social and economic struggles inspired the creation of NIYEEDEP. He also extended his thanks to Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, for helping to bring NIYEEDEP to fruition. Iyere further acknowledged the leadership of the Nigerian Senate (10th Assembly), led by HE (Senator) Godswill Akpabio, for adopting and facilitating the establishment of NIYEEDEP.
“I believe in Nigeria and I am confident that its prolonged economic underdevelopment will not persist for much longer. Our country is endowed with abundant natural and human resources. We are among the most intelligent and industrious people on earth. What we need to do now is unite and collaborate to restore our lost economic greatness through a socio-economic transformation movement driven by our youth. This is precisely why I advocated for the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP),” Iyere affirmed.
The Clerk of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, Oluwagbemiga Okenla, attended the press conference to represent Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the Coordinating Chairman of NIYEEDEP, officially representing the Nigerian Senate. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olusanya Olubunmi, was also present. Leaders from various youth organisations across the country actively participated in the press briefing. Top officials of NIYEEDEP who attended included Ifeoma Agbomah, Director of Corporate Communication; Collins Okonkwo, National Organising Secretary; and Shedrach Oka, Director of Contacts and Mobilisation.
Ifeoma Agbomah, Director of Corporate Communication at NIYEEDEP, focused her remarks on the necessity for Nigerian youths to harness the unique economic opportunities provided by NIYEEDEP for their benefit. She described NIYEEDEP as a strategic economic engagement platform designed to reduce youth unemployment, eradicate hunger, and combat food insecurity. She announced that the “Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme” will operate under the initiative “Operation Feed Your Local Government.”
