Joel Ajayi 
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in partnership with SAMU Technology and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN), has launched the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI), a bold programme designed to tackle unemployment, boost economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability.

At the launch in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative goes beyond job creation, aiming to raise a new generation of Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders.

He described the programme as a landmark achievement under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and building a greener, more inclusive economy.

“At the heart of the initiative is the flagship Waste to Wealth Project, which seeks to transform waste into valuable, eco-friendly products while creating sustainable green jobs for Nigerian youth. Through this programme, young people will gain practical skills, mentorship, and access to green technologies, along with opportunities to showcase their innovations in both local and international markets. A dedicated Waste to Wealth online platform has also been launched to serve as a hub for registration, networking, investment access, and market expansion,” the Minister said.
The Minister further highlighted complementary programmes of the Ministry, which according to him, include  :  the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) focused on youth protection and capacity-building; ongoing digital literacy initiatives in partnership with NITDA; and the launch of “YO! Health”, a new mental health and wellness hub. He also announced the rollout of the Youth Cred Scheme, in partnership with Credit Core, which will expand access to loans for young people and lay the foundation for a Youth Bank, MSME Incubator, and National Innovation Hub. 
He further stated that reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are underway to better reflect the aspirations of today’s Generation Z and Millennial populations.
He emphasized that CEYEI will be implemented nationwide, covering all 36 states and more than 774 local government areas, with inclusivity at its core, ensuring equal access to opportunities for young people across regions and backgrounds.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Yusuf Sununu, noted that Nigeria faces a humanitarian crisis affecting over 3 million people ,with a global funding gap of $36 billion.He urged stakeholders to invest in youth-led waste-to-wealth initiatives that can generate jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen national resilience.
In his own remarks,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.
Also speaking, Blessing Ekwere, representing the President of RAN, described CEYEI as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to making young people not just beneficiaries of development, but drivers of change. By reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling materials, the initiative will help lower emissions, grow the circular economy, and empower young Nigerians to take the lead in climate action.

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