The Federal Government has officially renamed the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP) to the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) to enhance youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
The name change was announced on Thursday, March 6, 2025, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) presented to the press. This followed an agreement signed on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Civil Society and Global Development Partners.
Government’s Vision for YEIDEP
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who signed on behalf of the government, explained that the rebranding aims to give Nigerian youths a stronger sense of ownership in the programme. He emphasized that YEIDEP is designed to provide economic opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, reduce unemployment, and contribute to national development.
Currently, over two million youths have registered, making it Nigeria’s largest youth empowerment initiative. The programme’s long-term goal is to empower 20 million youth farmers, food entrepreneurs, and agro-allied business owners within two years.
Stakeholders Rally Support for YEIDEP
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, President of Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI) and representative of the Nigerian Civil Society and Global Development Partners, described YEIDEP as crucial for economic restoration, national security, and social stability.
“For Nigeria’s economic wellbeing, national security, and social stability, it is YEIDEP or nothing” Iyere declared, urging both local and global stakeholders to support the initiative.
Financial Support for Beneficiaries
To ensure the programme’s success, YEIDEP has partnered with several banks to provide financial services and support to beneficiaries. These include; Fidelity Bank, Keystone Bank, Union Bank, Lotus Bank, Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Wema Bank, Sterling Bank, and JAIZ Bank.
Interested youths can register for YEIDEP via the official website.
