August 19, 2025 – Minister for Youth Development, Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, has launched the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action (CEYEI), a new programme designed to train young Nigerians on how to turn waste into wealth.
The initiative is a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, SAMU, and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister said the initiative was created to help the Nigerian economy tap into a valuable opportunity for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
According to him, “The Ministry of Youth Development is prepared to train millions of Nigerian youth on how to generate additional income through effective waste management while creating more job opportunities for young Nigerians.”
The CEYEI programme seeks to tackle the dangers caused by improper waste management across the country. By transforming discarded materials into valuable resources, the initiative will help reduce landfill waste, cut down on resource extraction, and encourage a circular economy.
This approach, the Minister explained, will minimise environmental pollution, conserve natural resources, and open new economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele also used the occasion to appreciate the President for his support. He said, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to youth development in Nigeria.”
The event was attended by top government officials and stakeholders. Distinguished guests included the Minister for Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal; the Honourable Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya; the Director General of CLTC, Ms. Rinsola Abiola; the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Barikor; the SSA to the President on Citizenship and Leadership Training, Mallam Nasir Ja’oji; and the SA to the President on Youth Initiatives (Delivery and Monitoring), Ms. Titilope Gbadamosi.
The launch marked a strong step toward promoting climate action, waste recycling, environmental sustainability, and job creation in Nigeria.