The Federal Government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Planning Committee for the Youth Entrepreneurial and Innovation Alliance (YEIA) Boot Camp. The program is a collaborative initiative with the Bangladesh Business and Technology Forum.
The launch ceremony, held at the Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja, marks a strategic move to equip young Nigerian innovators and startup founders with international exposure, mentorship, and enterprise development training.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described YEIA as a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at connecting Nigeria’s youth to the global tech ecosystem and attracting foreign investment.
“This initiative strengthens ties with the international innovation space and equips our youth with market-ready skills,” Olawande said.
He added that the boot camp would foster cross-cultural collaboration between youth from Nigeria and Bangladesh, offering access to industry insights, policy dialogues, and network-building opportunities.
Mr. Bob Achanya, President of the Nigeria-Bangladesh Business and Technology Forum, said the YEIA Boot Camp is a strategic platform designed to connect youth, policymakers, and the private sector in ways that unlock large-scale entrepreneurial growth.
“Our goal is to empower more than 10 million young people through mentorship, training, and access to scalable business opportunities,” Achanya stated.
The committee members, drawn from relevant ministries and sectors, have been tasked with ensuring the boot camp is inclusive, impactful, and nationally representative.
Mr. Mike Ugwuogu of the Ministry’s Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, representing the Permanent Secretary, noted that the YEIA initiative offers young Nigerians a rare opportunity to showcase innovations and connect with global startup ecosystems.
The Ministry of Youth Development reaffirmed its commitment to fostering youth-led innovation, creating enabling environments, and positioning Nigerian youth as leaders in global enterprise and technology.
