Government to Roll Out New Youth Empowerment Program

In a strategic move to tackle youth unemployment, prevent radicalisation, and stimulate economic growth, the Nigerian government is set to launch the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP). This initiative aims to equip young Nigerians with essential skills and resources to thrive in various sectors while promoting national unity and social stability.

 

YEIDEP seeks to provide training, financial support, and entrepreneurial opportunities to youths across the nation. The program is a rebranding of the former National Integrated Youth Economic Empowerment Development Program (NIYEEDEP), with a renewed focus on inclusion, economic empowerment, and de-radicalisation.

 

The initiative offers training in fields such as digital literacy, agriculture, manufacturing, and services to enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths. Additionally, it includes grant funding and access to low-interest loans to support youth-led businesses, aiming to reduce unemployment and deter involvement in social vices or extremist ideologies. By collaborating with private and public sector partners, YEIDEP also intends to facilitate job placements and internships, offering participants valuable practical experience and career growth pathways.

 

Since its inception, YEIDEP has registered over two million youths, making it one of the most ambitious youth-focused initiatives in Nigeria’s history. The program is designed for implementation in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring broad and inclusive participation.

 

Interested youths are encouraged to apply through the official YEIDEP portal or at designated application centers. The application process is simple and transparent, requiring completion of an online form, recent passport photographs, valid identification documents, and guarantor forms for those applying for financial assistance. Detailed eligibility guidelines are available on the YEIDEP website.

 

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, has expressed its commitment to addressing youth unemployment and promoting national security. Initiatives like YEIDEP form part of a broader strategy to harness the potential of Nigeria’s youth, positioning them as key agents of peace, productivity, and progress.

 

The launch of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme represents a crucial step toward empowering Nigerian youths, promoting sustainable development, and securing a more prosperous and stable future for the nation.