Keystone Bank supports FG’s YEIDEP with new digital drive and committee
In a strong move to support youth empowerment and fight poverty, Keystone Bank has stepped forward to strengthen the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP). The bank held a special solidarity dinner on Thursday in Lagos State to honour the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the YEIDEP Coordinator-General, Comrade Kennedy Iyere.
This event showed Keystone Bank’s public commitment to supporting YEIDEP’s vision of uplifting Nigerian youths, reducing crime, and helping the economy grow by promoting financial inclusion and employment through digital innovation.
Minister praises Tinubu’s YEIDEP plan and Keystone Bank’s efforts
While speaking at the dinner, Minister Ayodele Olawande expressed his deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for launching YEIDEP and to Keystone Bank, led by its Managing Director, Hassan Imam, for backing the programme and Nigerian youths at large.
He emphasized the ministry’s goal of empowering young Nigerians with the right resources and skills to succeed in today’s world. He also assured the public that the Ministry of Youth Development remains open to all forms of collaborations that can uplift the lives of the country’s younger generation.
Olawande specially appreciated Mrs Nnenna Anyim-Okoro, Executive Director, Corporate Banking and South at Keystone Bank, calling her “an exemplary woman with a heart for Nigerian youths.”
YEIDEP coordinator urges more partnerships to reduce crime and poverty
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the Coordinator-General of YEIDEP, also spoke about the importance of keeping youths actively engaged in meaningful ventures. He stated that by involving young people in economic activities, the country can reduce crime rates and create a stronger economy.
He praised Keystone Bank for supporting this national agenda and recognized their efforts as a key part of the long-term solution to youth unemployment.
Keystone Bank launches digital platform for YEIDEP accounts
During the event, Mrs Nnenna Anyim-Okoro explained that Keystone Bank is not only supporting YEIDEP in spirit but has taken practical steps. She announced that the bank has:
- Formed a high-level internal committee to lead YEIDEP activities within the bank
- Launched a new digital platform where YEIDEP accounts can be created and managed entirely online
She added that these steps are aimed at making it easier for Nigerian youths to access financial services, start small businesses, and receive training and funding under the YEIDEP initiative.
She further stated, “As a key financial partner of YEIDEP, Keystone Bank is committed to long-term cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to achieve the programme’s core goals — youth empowerment and economic growth.”
Top Keystone Bank officials show commitment to youth-focused goals
The dinner was attended by several senior executives from Keystone Bank, including:
- Olayemi Sule, Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking
- Obinna Uwadoka, Head General Commerce, CBD
- Chinyelu Ogufere, Group Head, Emerging Sectors and Industries
- John Enukorah, Group Head, Private Banking
Their presence at the event showed the bank’s united leadership backing for YEIDEP and their intention to stay actively involved in youth-related programmes for the future.
Keystone Bank and YEIDEP: A long-term plan for youth economic transformation
The partnership between Keystone Bank and YEIDEP is seen as a significant milestone in efforts to combat unemployment and insecurity among Nigeria’s growing youth population. With the digital banking solution now live, more young Nigerians can start their journey towards financial independence and stable income through easy access to banking services and YEIDEP support.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, aims to use YEIDEP to give young people a second chance by providing training, grants, and business development tools. Keystone Bank’s involvement provides the essential financial backbone to make this vision achievable across all states.
As more corporate and public sector actors join hands with the government, YEIDEP could become one of Nigeria’s most impactful empowerment programmes in recent years, driving transformation for millions of youth across the country.