Nigeria has launched a major nationwide campaign aimed at tackling youth unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and the rising threat of youth radicalisation. In a collaborative effort between the federal government and the Youth Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), the new programme is known as the YEIDEP Global Donorship Drive and Fundraising Campaign. The target is to raise 2.5 billion US dollars to fund an economic and empowerment initiative called the Cooperative Youth Farmers and Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP).
This initiative is part of a broader intervention known as the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), which is being led by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The programme is also being supported by foreign partners and private organisations working with YOTSI. The central focus is to empower young Nigerians through skills development in agriculture and entrepreneurship, while also working to reduce the social and economic pressures that push many youths into crime, drug abuse, and violent groups.
According to the project convener, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, nearly six million young Nigerians, including young women, have already signed up to benefit from the initiative. However, the long-term goal is to reach up to 20 million youth beneficiaries by the year 2027. Participants will be drawn from every state in Nigeria and will undergo training in modern agriculture, small-scale business, agribusiness technology, food processing, clean energy, and other productive ventures. The idea is not just to provide temporary support, but to help these young Nigerians build lasting livelihoods and become financially independent.
To ensure transparency and safeguard the funds, eight commercial banks have been selected to serve as custodians and supervisors of the money raised. These banks include Keystone Bank, Fidelity Bank, Lotus Bank, Union Bank, Wema Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, and Providus Bank. Their roles will involve securing the funds, monitoring disbursements, and facilitating the financial transactions that will support youth-led projects and businesses across the country.
Speaking at the formal launch of the campaign on Monday, Comrade Iyere described the initiative as a critical response to Nigeria’s growing socio-economic challenges. He stated that the country faces a dangerous future if steps are not taken immediately to address youth unemployment, widespread hunger, and the lack of opportunities available to millions of young people. He warned that Nigeria is sitting on what he called a “time bomb” due to the rising frustrations and vulnerability of its youth population.
He urged Nigerians from all walks of life to support the campaign, emphasising that solving these issues will require the cooperation of everyone. This includes state governments, the private sector, international donors, business leaders, religious institutions, and even ordinary citizens who may be able to offer support in small ways. The campaign will not only provide money, but also training, tools, and mentorship to young people who want to engage in agriculture and related businesses.
The main sectors that YEIDEP will focus on include farming, agricultural technology, food and beverage production, and clean energy solutions like solar power. These sectors have been chosen because of their potential to create jobs, boost food supply, strengthen local economies, and help stabilise communities. As the programme grows, it is expected to promote sustainable development in rural and urban areas alike, making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Comrade Iyere also stressed that the initiative is not about politics, ethnicity, or religion. It is about securing the future of Nigeria by giving young people a reason to hope, work, and believe in a better tomorrow. He called on all Nigerians to set aside divisions and support the programme, noting that the benefits will be felt across all regions.
In the months ahead, YEIDEP will continue to provide updates on the progress of the fundraising campaign, the number of youths enrolled, and the impact of its activities on communities. The public can follow these updates through the official YEIDEP platform at yeidepnews.org.ng. The website will provide regular, simple news and information for those who want to learn more, follow the project’s progress, or get involved.
As Nigeria faces increasing challenges in employment, food security, and social stability, the YEIDEP initiative represents a bold and timely move. Whether it succeeds will depend largely on the commitment of both the public and private sectors, as well as the determination of the young Nigerians it seeks to empower.
