News

Minister Inaugurates Committee on Nigerian Youth Investment Fund

Published

3 years ago

January 30, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim has inaugurated the committee for the review of the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF)

The Minister explained that the review had become necessary due to the fact that the fund, which was established in 2020 to provide funds for youth led enterprises, falls short in terms of Youths reached and jobs created.

She attributed this to the stringent conditions attached to having access to the fund.

Bio-Ibrahim said, “While the Nigerian youth investment fund aims to provide capital for youth-led enterprises, its impact, though commendable, falls short in terms of the number of youths reached and jobs created. A strategic overhaul is necessary to alleviate the challenges faced by Nigerian youth in securing financing, along with fostering entrepreneurial skills, market access, and mentorship for sustainable growth.”

She added that upon assuming duty in the Ministry, she observed that among the Ministry’s programs, the NYIF has the potential to tackle youth unemployment and poverty if properly managed.

She, therefore, charged the committee members to take the assignment seriously and give it their best.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Dunoma Ahmed Umar reiterated that the fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills, and talents of Nigerian youths. He stated that the target of the fund is youths within the age group of 18 to 35 years.

He added that the Honourable Minister deemed it wise to review the NYIF so as to achieve better results.

The Chairman of the committee Mr. Hakeem Olopade praised the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu led administration for its focus on youth empowerment.

Mr. Olapade noted that there is a need to engage the youth in all productive sectors of the economy, especially in view of the prevailing security challenges in the country.

He pledged the readiness of the committee members to implement their assignmen assiduously and therefore called on the Ministry to avail them with all necessary support to succeed especially in the area of Youth documentation and provision of information at the disposal of the Ministry.

The committee, which was inaugurated via Zoom, has the following members: Hakeem Olopade, chairman, Olufela Olatoye-sosan, secretary, Prof. Ahmed Kumshe, member, Ms Ebiho Agun, member, Mr Rijo Shekari, member, Mr Samson Itodo, member, Ms Angel Adelaja, member, Ms Amaka Okechukwu, member, Dr. Ezekiel Oseni, member, Dr. Emeka Henry Inegbu, member, CBN representative, and DBN representative.

Share on Facebook

Foreign news

Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja

Published

3 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.

Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.

He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.

On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.

He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.

On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.

Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.

Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.

He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.

The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.

He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.

Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.

Share on Facebook