Manny Ita –
The Federal Government has announced the commencement of nationwide recruitment for Batch B of the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), a flagship initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment while addressing social instability through economic empowerment.
Officials said the programme, which begins its new intake today, is aimed at providing startup capital and business support to millions of young Nigerians across the country. The initiative targets unemployed and underemployed youths, equipping them with financial assistance and enterprise development opportunities intended to help them establish sustainable businesses.
According to programme coordinators, the initiative forms part of the federal government’s broader strategy to reduce poverty, create jobs and discourage youth involvement in crime and extremism by expanding access to legitimate economic opportunities.
Speaking on the rollout of the new recruitment phase, officials involved in the programme said the goal is to reach a wide pool of beneficiaries from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that young people with viable business ideas can access the support needed to launch and grow their ventures.
“This programme is designed to address two critical national challenges at the same time—youth unemployment and the vulnerability that often comes with it,” a programme official said. “By providing startup capital and structured support, we are giving young Nigerians the opportunity to build businesses, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
The coordinators explained that beneficiaries will not only receive financial support but will also undergo structured capacity-building sessions covering entrepreneurship, financial management and business sustainability. The training component, they said, is intended to ensure that participants can successfully manage and expand their enterprises.
“The objective is not just to distribute funds but to create sustainable livelihoods,” the official added. “Participants will be guided through mentorship, training and monitoring to ensure the businesses they start can thrive.”
Government representatives further emphasised that the programme is also structured to discourage youth involvement in social unrest, radicalisation and criminal activities by providing productive alternatives.
“Young people need opportunities, not just promises,” another official said. “YEIDEP is about equipping them with the resources and support necessary to become employers themselves.”
Authorities encouraged eligible youths nationwide to participate in the recruitment process, noting that the programme remains a key component of the government’s economic inclusion agenda aimed at unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of Nigeria’s growing youth population.
