The federal government of Nigeria, has unveiled a-24 month action plan of creating 20 million jobs for youths, through the recently launched “Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP).
NIYEEDEP, is a pro-youth socio-economic intervention scheme jointly anchored and driven by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Nigerian Senate through its Committee on Sports Development.
Breaking down the figures, it was revealed that a total of 20 million jobs will be created through entrepreneurship revolution, in key sectors, as agriculture, agro-allied, food and beverage, technology, entertainment and renewable energy among others.
The “Youth Farmers’ Cooperative Scheme”, is one of the entrepreneurship interventions of NIYEEDEP designed to create 12 million youth farmers in 24 months.
Addressing the press in Abuja, on Monday 2nd December 2024, during the public unveiling of the “NIYEEDEP Plan of Action for 2025/2027”, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stressed the need for the youths of Nigeria to align with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the collective efforts towards building a healthy and safe Nigeria.
He said he is not ignorant of the fact that the youths of Nigeria are undergoing hard times but advised that the only way out of the present economic predicaments, is for the youths to proffer the needed economic solutions and position themselves as agents of positive change.
The Honourable Minister further affirmed that the critical desire to provide the economic platforms and opportunities needed by youths to contribute their efforts towards nation-building and economic development was the key factor that compelled the creation of the “Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP).
He advised the youths to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered by the Federal Government through NIYEEDEP, to help themselves to achieve economic self-emancipation while also transforming themselves into agents of nation-building and catalysts for political stability, social transformation and economic development.
“Comrade Kennedy Iyere came with sincerity of intention when he suggested the idea of creating NIYEEDEP to the Nigerian Senate and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. We all know who he is, as a man of courage and uncommon capacity.
“He campaigned against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and vigorously opposed his political mandate. To think of it that he is today the Coordinator-General of NIYEEDEP, is indeed a lesson for all. President Tinubu has a listening ear, the economic engagement of youths tops his priority list.
“This is why the youths of Nigeria should key into the economic activities of NIYEEDEP and join forces in driving the desired rapid economic recovery and development regardless of our political affiliations”, said Hon Ayodele Olawande.
