The federal government, on Thursday, inaugurated the project implementation committee for the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), a flagship initiative aimed at addressing key challenges facing the Nigerian youth.

Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, speaking in Abuja, described the programme as a bold and strategic response to youth unemployment and radicalisation, aligning with the ministry’s broader mission of empowerment and national development.

Mr Olawande, represented by Joseph Oluwole, director of general services in the ministry, emphasised that the programme reflected the administration’s unwavering commitment to uplifting young Nigerians through economic inclusion and transformative engagement.

“We are not just launching a programme, we are igniting a movement for youth transformation, innovation, and national development.

“I am proud to announce that, as of today, more than five million young Nigerians have applied to be part of this initiative,” Mr Olawande said.

He stressed that the newly inaugurated committee had a critical mandate to guide, coordinate, and monitor the successful implementation of the project.

“Your work on this committee will impact the lives of millions. The integrity, transparency, and efficiency with which you execute your duties will define the legacy of this intervention,” he added.

In his remarks, the programme coordinator, Kennedy Iyere, expressed gratitude to the minister for embracing the vision behind the programme.

Mr Iyere noted that the initiative was born out of the need to create a sustainable platform for economically engaging Nigerian youth.

According to Mr Iyere, with youth constituting approximately 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population, estimated at more than 240 million, unlocking their potential is key to building the Nigeria we all desire.

Also speaking, Olubunmi Olusanya, permanent secretary of the ministry, highlighted the programme’s practical impact.

Ms Olusanya was represented by Anthony Chukwuka, director of planning, research and statistics.

He explained that the programme aimed to support youth-led businesses, particularly in the agriculture and agro-allied sectors, through enterprise grants, business development services, technical assistance, and management support.

“We are proud to report that more than five million applications have already been received, an unprecedented demonstration of Nigerian youth’s eagerness to contribute to national development,” Ms Olusanya said.

(NAN)