The Federal Government has joined hands with the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP) to create 12 million jobs for Nigerian youths. This new partnership is a significant step to help solve youth unemployment in the country.
The agreement was made official through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on February 5, 2025, by representatives from the Nigerian government, various civil society groups, and global development partners. The partnership was publicly announced on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Reason Behind the Name Change
Originally, the programme was called the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP). The Federal Government decided to rename it to YEIDEP to make youths feel closer to the programme. According to Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, the new name was chosen to give Nigerian youths a stronger sense of ownership and involvement. This change encourages young people to actively participate and feel responsible for its success.
Detailed Goals of YEIDEP
The major goal of YEIDEP is to create job opportunities for Nigerian youths by turning them into entrepreneurs and job creators. It focuses on addressing the root causes of youth unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and social unrest through practical solutions like skills training and financial support.
The government noted that over two million young Nigerians have already registered. The programme targets empowering 20 million youths in farming, food production, and business activities within two years, significantly boosting employment opportunities nationwide.
Core Areas of Focus
YEIDEP will cover several key areas to meet the specific needs of Nigerian youths:
- Agriculture (Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme): Encourages young Nigerians to enter agriculture by forming cooperatives, providing training, and access to farming resources. It aims to improve food production and ensure stable incomes for young farmers.
- Technology (Tech4Jobs): Prepares young people with technology skills for tech sector jobs or to start their own tech businesses, boosting digital literacy and innovation.
- Creative Arts (Arts4Money): Supports creative youths through training, funding, and platforms to market their art, music, films, and crafts, ensuring a sustainable income.
- Vocational Skills (Skills2Job): Offers practical training in trades and crafts, matching market demands to ensure youths have relevant skills for employment.
- Food Security (Food4All Initiative): Enhances food production methods and capacity to reduce hunger and poverty. This initiative empowers youths involved in farming and food production.
Strong Support from Partners
More than two million youths have registered, highlighting strong early interest. Comrade Kennedy Iyere, a coordinator of the initiative, emphasized its importance for Nigeria’s economic growth, national security, and social stability.
Iyere explained clearly that YEIDEP is critical for Nigeria’s overall economic health and stability.
Young Nigerians interested in participating can easily register through the official website. Banks like Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and First Bank are supporting participants by providing necessary financial services and resources.
Expected Impact on Nigeria
YEIDEP aims to create millions of new jobs, significantly reducing youth unemployment rates and boosting economic activity. The Federal Government believes this initiative will improve the lives of young Nigerians, directly tackling poverty and instability.
By equipping youths with valuable skills and opportunities, YEIDEP will help build a stronger, safer, and economically stable Nigeria.