August 21, 2025 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to practical and innovative solutions that will deliver real impact in the lives of young Nigerians.
This came as the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by its Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Comrade Olawande stressed that meaningful legacies are built through action and collaboration rather than bureaucracy. He explained that the new initiative is focused on creating access for Nigerian youth to participate in the capital market.
“This initiative is about breaking barriers and opening doors,” Olawande said. “For too long, the capital market has been seen as a space reserved for the wealthy. Today, we are saying clearly that Nigerian youth deserve access too. We want to empower them not just to seek jobs, but to create them, to become entrepreneurs, investors, and employers of labour.”
The Minister also highlighted the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) as a central platform designed to provide financial education and practical skills to young people across the country, regardless of background or location.
He emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between government agencies and private sector players to ensure that no youth is excluded from opportunities.
“Our goal is to raise a generation of financially savvy, empowered young Nigerians who will shape the future prosperity of this nation. With partners like the SEC, we are proving that it is possible,” Olawande stated.
He expressed gratitude to the SEC for its leadership role in this initiative and urged other stakeholders to contribute to building pathways of opportunity for young Nigerians.
“This is about the future of our country. Together, we can ensure that every young Nigerian has the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive,” he added.
On his part, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, described the collaboration as a strategic move toward youth empowerment through financial inclusion and innovation.
He commended the Honourable Minister for his youthful and action-driven leadership, noting his ability to dismantle bureaucratic barriers in favor of impactful solutions.
Dr. Agama further affirmed the SEC’s dedication to working with the Ministry to expand access to funding, financial education, and investment opportunities.
According to him, the partnership will serve as the foundation of a meaningful legacy, with programs targeted at empowering young Nigerians from all walks of life, thereby ensuring sustainable socio-economic growth and long-term national prosperity.