August 17, 2025 – The Nasarawa State Government has announced a new empowerment program aimed at training 2,000 youths, women, and persons with disabilities through the 2025 9ja Food Fiesta.

The initiative will focus on providing practical skills in key areas to promote economic growth and self-reliance.

According to the organizers, participants will gain skills in the following sectors:
a. Culinary Arts
b. Fashion Design
c. Agriculture (Fishery and Poultry)
d. ICT

“This initiative is part of our bold mission to train 74,000 people across all states in Nigeria. Investing in human development is the best way to boost our economy. A hungry man is an angry man. An idle youth is a devil workshop and will be used as a pawn to perpetuate evil,” a statement from the program reads.

The government emphasized that empowering young people with skills and knowledge is one of the most effective ways to reduce crime and build a stronger economy.

“The economy of China keeps rising every day not just because of the number of schools they’ve built but also because they have heavily invested in human development, especially towards the children and youths. Together, we can achieve the same or even better. Our training is 100% free,” the statement added.

Eligibility requirements include:
i. Must reside in Nasarawa State
ii. Be able to dedicate 2 to 3 hours daily for this training

How to apply:

To register for the empowerment program, interested persons should visit and complete the application form Here.

The Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) has concluded a three-day intensive financial literacy training for more than 200 participants drawn from the Epe, Ikorodu, and Badagry agricultural zones.

The training, which was organised in partnership with LAPO Microfinance Bank and Unitrust Insurance, was designed to give farmers and fisher folks the financial skills and practical tools needed to manage resources effectively, boost productivity, reduce risks, and build sustainable agricultural businesses.

Over the course of the programme, participants attended structured lectures on key topics such as personal and farm financial management, covering areas like budgeting, income planning, debt control, record-keeping, and profit analysis.

The sessions also highlighted the importance of cultivating a savings culture and introduced strategies in agricultural insurance and risk management.

These approaches were aimed at helping farmers protect their livelihoods against unexpected challenges such as losses and natural disasters.

According to LSADA, the decision to host the training across three separate agricultural zones was deliberate to ensure inclusiveness and give local farmers greater access to knowledge without the barrier of traveling long distances.

The training allowed fisher folks and smallholder farmers in rural areas to gain the same opportunities available in centralised programmes.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Serriki Musa Abayomi, Head of Component, Rural Institution Development at LSADA, said the programme underscores the agency’s mission to build the entrepreneurial capacity of rural farmers.

He noted, “The purpose is to ensure that our farmers can make informed decisions about financial services that directly impact their livelihoods. We believe this knowledge will not only strengthen their businesses but also improve food security in the state by ensuring more financially stable and productive agricultural enterprises.”

Mr. Abayomi also explained that the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s broader agricultural transformation and rural development agenda under the THEMES Plus policy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

During the sessions, representatives of LAPO Microfinance Bank and Unitrust Insurance shared insights into the “5 Cs” of agricultural lending: Character, Capacity, Condition, Capital, and Collateral.

They also explained how customised financial products and agricultural insurance can act as safety nets for farmers, helping them manage risks associated with climate change, market instability, and unexpected losses.

With rising concerns over food security, climate change, and rural poverty, LSADA’s financial literacy training has been positioned as a strategic step to close the knowledge gap at the grassroots and empower farmers to remain competitive in today’s agricultural economy.

August 17, 2025 – A circular with an undisclosed source is currently circulating on social media, claiming to come from the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP).

Neither the Federal Ministry of Youth Development nor YEIDEP has confirmed the authenticity of this message, which makes its origin uncertain.

The circular states that registration for the first batch of YEIDEP will close on 31st August, 2025, noting that the process started on 17th February, 2025.

It further claims that 6,200,000 valid members have already been registered, while more than 75 percent of them have reportedly been given bank accounts by financial partners ahead of the proposed financial mobilization.

The message, signed by “Comrade Kennedy Iyere, Coordinator-General, YEIDEP,” ends with the phrase, “God bless Nigeria.”

However, the circular contains visible spelling errors and inconsistencies, which raise doubts about its credibility. Despite its official-looking format, it does not carry any federal government verification or traceable source.

YEIDEP beneficiary hopefuls are urged to remain calm and avoid sending money to anyone who claims to be YEIDEP representative.

The rapid spread of this circular online is a sign of growing interest in government youth empowerment initiatives and banking support for financial inclusion.

Attached below is a copy of the circular:

August 17, 2025 – The Youth Economic and Investment Development Empowerment Programme (YEIDEP) has once again raised an alarm over fake registration forms currently being circulated in Zamfara, some northern States, and also in Enugu. Coordinator-General of YEIDEP, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, warned the public to disregard such forms, stating clearly that they are fraudulent.

“It has just been brought to my attention that there is a YEIDEP registration forms being distributed in Zamfara and a few other northern States. I have also received reports that such is happening in Enugu and others. I must emphasise that any purported YEIDEP form in circulation anywhere in Nigeria is fake. This is the third time we will be doing a disclaimer on this issue,” Iyere stated.

This warning comes shortly after applicants received an SMS from Wema Bank notifying them that their applications are now complete.

However, YEIDEP stressed that the program has no physical forms in circulation and that registration is only through the official online portal.

Iyere explained, “Our registration is only through the online Portal, and it’s free of charge. The people issuing and circulating these fake forms are doing it to collect money from unsuspecting individuals for registration, and on several occasions, we had issued a disclaimer to alert the public.”

He added that fraudsters are exploiting the popularity of the program. “We believe that scammers and people with fraudulent tendencies would always devise different ways or means to use programs like YEIDEP to perpetuate fraud, but it’s the duty of the general public to always seek clarifications from the right sources before parting with any kinds of payment as may be demanded of them,” he noted.

The Coordinator-General also highlighted that YEIDEP is completely free. Registration for the first batch began on 17th February 2025 and will officially end on 31st August 2025.

So far, 6,200,000 valid members have registered, with collaborating banks providing over 75 percent of them with bank accounts in preparation for financial mobilization.

“God bless Nigeria,” Iyere concluded.

Attached is the notification in circulation:

August 17, 2025 – Imo GEEP (Government Enterprise Empowerment Program) Program Manager, Mrs. Ifeoma Catherine Igwe, visited the World Bank Market in Owerri on Sunday, 17th August 2025, to reassure traders about the commencement of GEEP 3.0.

Addressing the traders, she said, “This program is designed to support small businesses and market women with financial inclusion and access to credit facilities.” Mrs. Igwe emphasized that the Federal Government remains committed to poverty alleviation and youth empowerment through sustainable economic development.

Traders at the market expressed optimism, noting that GEEP loans will help them expand businesses, improve income, and strengthen financial stability across Imo State.

August 17, 2025 – The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) has released a progress report on its initiatives designed to empower young Nigerians with skills, financial support, digital inclusion, and health awareness.

The ministry emphasized that the programs are aimed at preparing the youth for employment, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial independence.

The report outlines six ongoing federal government programs being implemented under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development:
1. NiYA
2. Nigerian Youth Helpdesk
3. Corpreneur Support Scheme
4. YouthCred
5. Youth Data Protection
6. Yo! Health

1. NiYA
Launch Date: 24th of March, 2025

The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) is designed to prepare young Nigerians for today’s economy through the One Youth, Two Skills initiative.

This ensures that each youth is equipped with at least two employable skills that open doors to entrepreneurship and job opportunities.

Top NiYA platforms:
i. NiYA Academy: 59,712
ii. NiYA Community: 64,399
iii. NiYA Gigs: 18,690

Visit: www.niya.gov.ng

Academy Statistics:
i. NiYA Courses: 58
ii. Courses Progress: 64%
iii. Certificates Downloaded: 2,481

2. Nigerian Youth Helpdesk
Launch Date: 16th of May, 2024

The Nigerian Youth Helpdesk was created to strengthen trust between government and young citizens by addressing youth concerns with transparency and accountability. It serves as a direct, technology-driven link between youth and governance.

Achievement:
i. Over 5,000 engagements recorded since 2024
ii. Cases resolved include police issues, scams, mental health concerns, and other public service matters
iii. Improved public trust through timely and transparent responses

Implementation Stage:
i. Pilot phase in the FCT, receiving complaints nationwide
ii. Help Desk Officers, who are trained corps members, handle cases and referrals
iii. Partnerships include NYSC, Police, Health Ministry, UNODC, and civic groups
iv. Accessible through WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and phone with a structured case management system

Visit: www.nigerianyouthhelpdesk.com

3. Corpreneur Support Scheme
Launch Date: 24th of April, 2024

The Corpreneur Support Scheme is an initiative of the ministry to provide corps members with tools and financial assistance.

Achievement:
i. Over 200 corps members received empowerment grants
ii. Over 100 corps members received work gadgets including laptops

The implementation stage of the FG programme is ongoing. The Next Action will be continuous exercise and disbursement to beneficiaries.

4. FG YouthCred
Launch Date: 7th of August, 2025

YouthCred is a financial empowerment initiative designed to build money skills while offering access to business credit. The program focuses on strengthening financial literacy among young Nigerians.

Achievement:
First set of applicants have started receiving credit support.

The implementation stage is ongoing while the next stage is continuous exercise and disbursement of funds.

Visit: www.youthcred.com

5. Youth Data Protection
Launch Date: 25th of July, 2025

The Youth Data Protection initiative is aimed at closing the country’s digital skills gap by training young people in data security and digital literacy.

Achievement:
i. Successful launch of the Youth Data Protection Officer
ii. Over 44,000 registered participants

Implementation stage:
Registration of participants

Next Action
i. Train registered participants
ii. Certify 5,000 youths as youth data protection officers

Visit: ydpat.fmyd.gov.ng

6. Yo! Health
Launch Date: 19th of May, 2025

Yo! Health was introduced as a youth-centered health initiative promoting wellness, awareness, and preventive healthcare.

Achievement:
i. Delivered health support to young Nigerians
ii. Organized health awareness campaigns
iii. Offered free medical checkups during outreach programs
iv. Distributed menstrual hygiene products to young girls

The implementation stage is ongoing. The next action is continuous exercise.

The Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports has expressed readiness to welcome value-added partnerships that focus on youth empowerment, skills training, and entrepreneurship development. This was made known during the visit of 9ia Food Fiesta, Abuja, to the ministry.

The team from 9ia Food Fiesta proposed to train at least two thousand youths in Nasarawa State, including two hundred persons with special needs, through a structured programme designed to provide skills training and an empowerment scheme.

According to the organisation, the initiative will also provide necessary equipment to help beneficiaries establish their own small businesses, creating pathways for self-reliance and economic growth.

The visit was facilitated by Comrade Akashe Abdullahi Ari, Aide to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Youth Development. Speaking on the objectives of the project, representatives of 9ja Food Fiesta said, “We commended the state government for its continuous efforts in engaging and empowering its youth population. However, we also noted that with the state’s growing population, no single effort is enough. That is why 9ja Food Fiesta, backed by experienced tutors, dedicated volunteers, and a tested platform, seeks the ministry’s permission and partnership to deliver on what we do best, empowering lives through skills.”

The group further stressed the importance of targeting women and young people. “We have identified the hidden potential within the youths and women of Nasarawa State, and we are here to ignite it with the right skills, relevant information, and opportunities to thrive,” the statement added.

This initiative aligns with the state’s wider commitment to youth development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic empowerment.