Abuja: The Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with SAMU Technology and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), has unveiled the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI). The initiative is designed to tackle unemployment, boost economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability.
According to Voice of Nigeria, at the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, highlighted that the initiative aims to raise a new generation of Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders. Olawande described the programme as a landmark achievement under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and building a greener economy.
The initiative’s central component is the Waste to Wealth Project, which seeks to transform waste into valuable, eco-friendly products while creating sustainable green jobs for Nigerian youth. Through this pro
gramme, young people will gain practical skills, mentorship, and access to green technologies, with opportunities to showcase their innovations in both local and international markets. A dedicated Waste to Wealth online platform has also been launched to facilitate registration, networking, investment access, and market expansion.
Olawande further highlighted complementary programmes of the Ministry, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), digital literacy initiatives in partnership with NITDA, and the launch of ‘YO! Health’, a mental health and wellness hub. He also announced the rollout of the Youth Cred Scheme, in partnership with Credit Core, aimed at expanding access to loans for young people and laying the foundation for a Youth Bank, MSME Incubator, and National Innovation Hub.
Reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are underway to better reflect the aspirations of today’s Generation and Millennial populations. Olawande emphasized that CEYEI would be implemented nationwide, covering
all 36 states and more than 774 local government areas, ensuring equal access to opportunities for young people across regions and backgrounds.
In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Sununu, noted that Nigeria faces a humanitarian crisis affecting over 3 million people, with a global funding gap of $36 billion. Sununu urged stakeholders to invest in youth-led waste-to-wealth initiatives to generate jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen national resilience.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, stated that CEYEI is designed to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerian youth, enabling them to turn discarded materials into sustainable livelihoods. Blessing Ekwere, representing the President of RAN, described CEYEI as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to making young people drivers of change. The initiative aims to reduce waste, reuse resources, and recycle materials, thereby empowering young Nigerians to
lead in climate action.