Federal Government backs $2.5bn YEIDEP Donorship Drive for Youth Empowerment
The Federal Government of Nigeria, together with Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), has officially launched a major fundraising program called the YEIDEP Global Donorship Drive and Fundraising Campaign. The goal is to raise $2.5 billion to support a national youth project that focuses on agriculture, job creation, and poverty reduction for young people and women.
This new campaign is part of a bigger youth program known as the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP). The specific sub-program that will benefit from the funds is the Cooperative Youth Farmers and Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP).
YEIDEP Launch Targets $2.5 Billion to Fight Youth Unemployment and Poverty
YEIDEP is led by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and supported by both local stakeholders and international donors. It aims to solve major problems affecting Nigerian youths like unemployment, food shortage, poor living conditions, and radicalisation.
According to Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the Coordinator-General of YEIDEP, the program has already registered over six million Nigerian youths and women. He shared that the bigger vision is to build a network of 20 million youth farmers and entrepreneurs by the year 2027.
Key Goals of Campaign
Iyere explained that the aim of the $2.5bn fundraising drive is not just to give money but to create real opportunities for youth and women. Through this initiative, they will receive:
- Financial support
- Technical training
- Mentorship
- Entrepreneurship guidance
- Agro-based skills
He emphasized that this effort will directly help in reducing unemployment, increasing food production, ending poverty at the household level, and stopping youth radicalisation by involving them in productive work.
YEIDEP Partners With 8 Banks to Manage the $2.5 Billion Funds
To ensure smooth management of the expected donations, YEIDEP has partnered with eight Nigerian commercial banks, including:
- Keystone Bank
- Fidelity Bank
- Lotus Bank
- Union Bank
- Wema Bank
- Zenith Bank
- Guaranty Trust Bank
- Providus Bank
These banks will help in receiving, holding, and disbursing the funds for the program’s implementation across the country.
Massive National Support Needed for YEIDEP Fundraising Success
While launching the donorship campaign, Iyere stressed that the success of this initiative will rely on support from many sectors. These include:
- Federal and state governments
- International donors and development agencies
- Nigerian business leaders
- Private companies
- Wealthy individuals and elites
He urged all Nigerians, regardless of political background, to support YEIDEP as a national mission to save the future of Nigerian youths.
YEIDEP to Create 20 Million Jobs Across Multiple Sectors
The YEIDEP program is designed to help create direct jobs for 20 million Nigerian youths and women. This will happen through entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities across key areas like:
- Agriculture
- Food and beverage production
- Agro-allied industries
- Agritech
- Renewable energy
This effort is expected to boost job creation, food security, economic growth, and national peace in the long run.
YEIDEP Addresses Nigeria’s Fragile Youth Crisis
Iyere warned that youth unemployment is a serious and dangerous problem for Nigeria. He said that unless urgent action is taken, the country faces a high risk of social breakdown.
He stated, “The need to solve youth unemployment, food crisis, and poverty is urgent. If ignored, Nigeria may face disaster. The YEIDEP program is one of the few plans that can stop this and bring lasting peace.”
Iyere also pointed out that Nigeria must act now or risk facing bigger issues than ever imagined. That is why YEIDEP is calling on every Nigerian to support the plan, beyond political interest or regional differences.
YEIDEP Will Build Strong Local Economies Through Youth Inclusion
The program is also expected to help local communities by building a network of grassroots-based youth cooperatives. These groups will run farms, small businesses, food production centres, and energy initiatives. This way, even youths in rural areas can benefit and help lift their families out of poverty.
All Eyes on Donors to Support YEIDEP’s $2.5 Billion Target
With this ambitious $2.5 billion drive now active, the future of millions of Nigerian youths lies in the hands of global donors, business leaders, and caring citizens. If the full amount is raised, it will mark a turning point in how Nigeria deals with its toughest social and economic challenges.
YEIDEP is not just a program—it is a bold and urgent movement to save a generation and rebuild Nigeria’s future, one youth at a time.