In a groundbreaking move to combat rising youth unemployment, poverty, and insecurity, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the Youth Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI), has launched a $2.5 billion Global Donor Fund under the Cooperative Youth Farmers and Allied Entrepreneurs Programme (CYFAEP).
This ambitious initiative is a major pillar of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP)—a large-scale national development effort led by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Why This Matters Now
Nigeria is facing a perfect storm: skyrocketing youth unemployment, deepening food insecurity, and increasing cases of youth involvement in drug abuse, violent crime, and radical groups. The YEIDEP-CYFAEP project is not just another empowerment scheme—it’s a national rescue mission designed to create sustainable livelihoods, curb insecurity and youth radicalisation, reduce poverty and hunger, and strengthen food systems and local economies.
A Vision for 20 Million Empowered Youth by 2027
Over 6 million Nigerian youths, including a large percentage of women, have already registered to benefit from the programme. But the long-term goal is even bolder: to empower 20 million youth across Nigeria by 2027.
Through free training, technical support, and financial empowerment, beneficiaries will be equipped with real-world skills in modern farming and climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness and food processing, renewable energy, tech-driven small businesses, clean energy solutions, and rural entrepreneurship. This isn’t about giving handouts—it’s about building job creators.
Who’s Behind It?
The programme is jointly championed by the Federal Government, YOTSI, and a growing list of international donors and private-sector partners. At the heart of it is Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the YEIDEP convener, who is rallying national and global support for the initiative.
According to Iyere, Nigeria’s youth crisis is a ticking “time bomb,” and unless urgent interventions are made, the consequences could be devastating.
“This initiative is about restoring hope, not politics. It’s about giving Nigerian youth a reason to believe, to dream, and to build,” he said at the campaign launch.
How the Money Will Be Managed
To ensure full transparency and financial integrity, eight reputable banks have been appointed as official custodians of the $2.5 billion fund:
Keystone Bank
Fidelity Bank
Lotus Bank
Union Bank
Wema Bank
Zenith Bank
GTBank
Providus Bank
Their duties include managing donations, monitoring disbursement to qualified youths, and supervising business project execution across the 36 states and FCT.
What Makes CYFAEP Unique?
Unlike many past programmes, CYFAEP is structured with systems in place for training, disbursement, monitoring, and impact measurement. It is inclusive and open to youth and women from all ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. It is sustainable and focused on long-term self-reliance, not temporary relief. It is also private-sector driven, with mentorship and business incubation support from real entrepreneurs.
Sectors of Focus
The programme targets high-impact sectors with job creation potential, including agriculture and agritech, food processing and packaging, renewable energy and clean tech, micro and small business development, and agro-innovation and bio-enterprise. These sectors are central to food security, climate resilience, and rural transformation.
Nationwide Mobilization Begins
To achieve its goals, YEIDEP is calling on state governments, private businesses and SMEs, international development partners, NGOs and religious institutions, and everyday Nigerians. Support can be in the form of donations, mentorship, equipment, or simply spreading awareness.
Stay Updated and Get Involved
YEIDEP will publish regular updates, including fundraising milestones, the number of youth trained and empowered, community success stories, and impact reports.
All information will be made available on the official platform: www.yeidepnews.org.ng
The YEIDEP-CYFAEP fund is more than just an economic initiative—it’s a movement. It is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, aimed at transforming despair into opportunity and empowering a new generation of leaders, farmers, techpreneurs, and innovators.
Whether you’re a policymaker, donor, activist, or citizen—you have a role to play. The time to act is now.
“Let us unite to give hope back to our youth. Our survival as a nation depends on it.” — Comrade Kennedy Iyere
