The Federal Government of Nigeria has kicked off a fresh empowerment initiative with the launch of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme in May 2025. This bold step was confirmed during an event in Abuja, where officials revealed that over 5 million youth have already submitted their applications to be part of the life-changing program.

YEIDEP Committee Set to Oversee N500k Grants and Business Support

During the launch, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande (represented by Joseph Oluwole), explained that it is not just another government scheme, it’s a full-scale youth development mission.

A newly formed committee has been set up to lead the program. Their job? To make sure that everything is transparent, timely, and fair. They’ll also track progress and ensure that grants, training, and resources reach the right beneficiaries.

This is crucial because mistakes or delays could ruin the trust young Nigerians have shown by submitting millions of applications in such a short time.

Kennedy Iyere, the program coordinator, said YEIDEP was born out of the need to help Nigeria’s youth participate more in the economy. He stressed that since young people make up nearly 65% of the population, investing in them is key to the country’s future.

At the same time, the Permanent Secretary, Olubunmi Olusanya (represented by Anthony Chukwuka), confirmed that youths are not only interested—they’re ready to take action. The 5 million+ applications are proof that young people are willing to grow businesses and gain real skills if given the tools.

Here’s a breakdown of what successful applicants will get from the program in 2025:

• Grants of up to N500,000 for youth-owned businesses
• Special focus on agriculture and agro-processing to support food security
• Free technical and entrepreneurship training to build practical skills
• Long-term mentoring and planning support for startups

This shows that YEIDEP is not only about money. It also includes strong follow-up plans so that businesses don’t just start, but also grow and last.

What’s Next for YEIDEP Applicants?

Now that the committee is in place, the real work begins. Here’s what will happen next:

1. Application Screening – Officials will review each submission carefully.
2. Shortlisting Qualified Youth – Only the most promising and eligible applicants will be selected.
3. Grant Disbursement – Chosen applicants will receive financial support directly into their bank accounts.
4. Training and Mentorship Rollout – Selected youth will be enrolled in training programs.
5. Performance Monitoring – The government will track how each youth is doing with the grant and training.

This step-by-step process ensures that no one is left behind and that all funds are used properly to support real businesses.

Why YEIDEP Could Be a Game Changer for Nigeria’s Youth

This isn’t just a typical empowerment plan. The massive response of 5 million+ youth proves that Nigerian youth are tired of promises and now want action.

Program comes at a time when:

• Youth unemployment is high
• The economy is slowly recovering
• Young people are eager for support, training, and funding

If this program is properly managed, it could help thousands of youths launch small businesses, stay away from crime or idleness, and become financially independent.

YEIDEP Committee: Big Responsibility, Bigger Hope

The success of this entire project now depends on how well the committee carries out its tasks. Their role is to ensure:

• No delays in funding
• Fair selection process
• Proper training arrangements
• Ongoing support after the money is disbursed

This new committee could shape the lives of millions of Nigerian youth if it works with full honesty and focus. With a large number of applicants already on board, it may turn out to be one of the biggest youth programs of the decade.

The grants, training, and support promised under YEIDEP are tools that many young Nigerians have been praying for. Now that they are within reach, it’s time for the system to deliver on the promises.

With careful planning and real execution, YEIDEP can do more than reduce unemployment,it can help rewrite the future of Nigeria’s youth in 2025 and beyond.