In a strategic move to empower Nigerian youth and advance climate action, the Minister for Youth Development, Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, has officially inaugurated the Planning Committee for the Circular Economy Youth Capacity Building Initiative (CEYI).
The initiative, launched in partnership with SAMU Technology Limited and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), aims to equip young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, with practical skills to transform waste into valuable and market-ready products.
“This initiative is a strategic step to provide Nigerian youth, especially those in the informal sector, with real-world skills and tools to transform waste into useful and marketable products,” Ayodele stated during the inauguration ceremony.
The CEYI program is set to play a transformative role in Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy by training millions of youth in recycling, waste-to-wealth systems, green innovation, and environmental entrepreneurship. The ultimate goal is to reduce youth unemployment while addressing the country’s growing waste management challenges.
“Our objective is to harness the energy and innovation of our youth to address pressing environmental challenges while unlocking new economic opportunities,” Ayodele emphasized.
By promoting sustainable waste management and green entrepreneurship, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s national climate resilience goals and supports the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CEYI also seeks to position young Nigerians as eco-smart entrepreneurs, capable of generating economic value while protecting the environment.
The CEYI planning committee will oversee the design, coordination, and rollout of the program across Nigeria, with an inclusive focus on marginalized and underserved communities. This youth-centered approach is expected to stimulate innovation and job creation, particularly in sectors linked to the green economy.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to address environmental and economic challenges, CEYI stands out as a forward-looking solution, merging youth empowerment with sustainable development for long-term national impact.