FG Partners with NIYEEDEP to Empower 12 Million Youth Farmers and Entrepreneurs

Maryam Aminu

In a bold stride toward tackling youth unemployment and fostering economic empowerment, the Federal Government has announced a partnership with the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP).

This transformative initiative aims to create jobs for 12 million youth across Nigeria, empowering them as farmers and food entrepreneurs to address the root causes of poverty, restiveness, and insecurity.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, revealed this ambitious collaboration during a press conference at his Abuja office, where he hosted NIYEEDEP Coordinator Kennedy Iyere. With an impassioned commitment to youth development, Comrade Olawande declared, “This initiative provides Nigerian youths with the economic platform and empowerment opportunities to become job creators, change agents, and catalysts for nation-building, wealth creation, and poverty alleviation.”

The Minister outlined the initiative’s focus on several strategic areas designed to engage youth in high-impact economic activities. These include: Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme,Food4All Initiative, Arts4Money Project

Others include Tech4Jobs Scheme,
Waste2Wealth Project,
Youths4Wealth Scheme,Youths4Charity Outreach,Youths4Peace Initiative and Skills2Job Initiative

The program’s strategy involves the creation of grassroots business clusters and cooperatives, leveraging value-chain investments and fostering agri-food entrepreneurship. Additionally, it will explore vital economic sectors such as technology, entertainment, renewable energy, digital commerce, innovation, and creativity, aiming to generate six million jobs in these fields.

Speaking on behalf of NIYEEDEP, Comrade Kennedy Iyere commended the Minister’s relentless efforts to champion youth-focused initiatives that stimulate economic growth.

“This collaboration is a game-changer,” Iyere remarked. “It has the potential to revolutionize wealth creation, generate job opportunities, and foster community progress across Nigeria.”

As the nation faces pressing challenges of youth unemployment and insecurity, this partnership signals hope and a decisive step toward sustainable development.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, under Comrade Olawande’s leadership, continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering Nigerian youth as a vital force for the nation’s transformation.