Ayodele Olawande @ayowisdom_

Today's meeting with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission and the Embassy of the State of Qatar further strengthened our tripartite partnership aimed at expanding opportunities for Nigerian youth through innovation, entrepreneurship, sports, and skills development. We successfully concluded discussions on the implementation framework for the Nigeria–Qatar Youth Development Programme. The partnership will create new opportunities for youth exchange, entrepreneurship, leadership development, sports, technology, innovation, and job creation, while strengthening collaboration through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) and the revitalisation of Youth Development Centres across the country. As we move towards the formal signing of the MoU, I am excited about the immense possibilities this partnership presents for Nigerian youth. Together, we are building global pathways that will equip our young people with the skills, exposure, and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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Today has been quite eventful as I began my day by delivering a keynote address at the 10th Young Leaders Entrepreneurship Conference held at the National Open University Conference Hall, Abuja, where I engaged with young Nigerians on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the immense opportunities available to them in building a prosperous future. Thereafter, I held strategic engagements with the Board of Emmanuel Agida International and later with LEAP Africa, alongside senior officials of the Ministry. These discussions focused on strengthening partnerships that will expand opportunities for youth development, leadership training, capacity building, and sustainable empowerment across the country. I also joined stakeholders, youth leaders, and supporters at the National Inauguration Ceremony of The Bridge for Renewed Hope, a youth-focused platform committed to connecting young people to opportunities and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda. The event also featured a declaration of support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, further reinforcing the importance of youth participation in nation-building and democratic engagement. Together, these engagements reflect our unwavering commitment to building strategic partnerships, empowering young Nigerians, and creating pathways for greater youth inclusion in governance, enterprise, and national development.

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Earlier today, I received representatives of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development @fmydNG for a strategic engagement on expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths through innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property development. The discussions with the WIPO delegation focused on areas of collaboration aimed at supporting youth-led innovation, strengthening intellectual property awareness, and creating pathways for young Nigerians to transform their ideas into globally competitive enterprises and sustainable economic opportunities. At the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, we remain committed to building an enabling environment where innovation, technology, and creativity can thrive, while ensuring that Nigerian youths are equipped to compete and succeed in the global knowledge economy, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. #YouthDevelopment #WIPO #Innovation #RenewedHope #NigerianYouth

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Today, we officially launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), a major initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development @fmydNG aimed at connecting young Nigerians with opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and economic growth. This programme is not just about land, it is about jobs, food security, entrepreneurship, and building a stronger future for Nigerian youth. Through this initiative, we will transform Youth Development Centres across the country into agriculture hubs that will provide training, mentorship, technology, business support, and access to markets. Our goal is to train 6 million young Nigerians within the next three years and support at least 500,000 youth-led agribusinesses across the value chain. We also used the opportunity of today’s launch to provide financial support to selected young agripreneurs as part of our commitment to empowering youth-led agricultural enterprises. I appreciate our partners including IITA, FCMB, First Bank, FAO, Bank of Agriculture, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders for believing in the potential of Nigerian youth. Together, we are creating pathways for young people to contribute meaningfully to national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. #YiALTF #YouthInAgribusiness #RenewedHope #YouthDevelopment

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Today, I joined the management, staff, corps members, and stakeholders of the National Youth Service Corps in celebrating the 53rd Anniversary of one of Nigeria’s most respected nation-building institutions. For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a powerful symbol of sacrifice, patriotism, resilience, and national unity. Beyond the khaki uniform, the Scheme has helped generations of young Nigerians build friendships across ethnic and religious lines, serve communities in need, and contribute meaningfully to national development through schools, hospitals, farms, and rural communities across the country. At the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, we recognize that the future of Nigeria cannot be discussed without the youth, and the youth agenda cannot be complete without the NYSC. This is why we remain committed to expanding opportunities for corps members and young Nigerians through skills development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, leadership development, and economic empowerment initiatives. I commend the leadership and management of the Scheme for their dedication to preserving the ideals of national unity and youth development despite changing realities. Happy 53rd Anniversary to the NYSC. May the Scheme continue to grow from strength to strength in service to our dear nation. #NYSC53 #NationalService #YouthDevelopment #BuildingTheFuture

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Earlier today, I received representatives of Meta Anglophone West Africa Office, led by Mrs. Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy, during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The Meta team briefed us on the organisation’s activities and interventions within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, as well as opportunities for deeper collaboration with the Ministry in advancing youth empowerment through technology and innovation. During the engagement, I reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to partnerships that promote innovation, digital inclusion, and youth development. I also emphasized the need to create more digital opportunities for young Nigerians by onboarding them onto existing Meta platforms and programmes to strengthen digital skills, entrepreneurship, content creation, innovation, and access to global opportunities. I further encouraged Meta to work closely with the Ministry in scaling youth-focused programmes, particularly for youths in rural communities and the informal sector, in line with our commitment to expanding digital literacy and inclusive empowerment opportunities across the country. I also met with the delegation from the Institute for Economics and Peace, where discussions focused on the role of youth development and inclusion in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable national growth.

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I started my day with participation in the signing of a collaborative agreement between the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) on CNG retrofitting training under the NYSC SAED Programme. The partnership is a strategic step towards equipping Nigerian youth with practical and market-relevant skills in the growing CNG and clean energy sector, while also supporting the Federal Government’s energy transition agenda. I commend the leadership of both NYSC and NADDC for this forward-looking initiative, as well as the Presidential Initiative on CNG & EV (Pi-CNG) for its participation and support towards the successful take-off of the programme. I also sincerely appreciate the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring & Delivery), Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, for facilitating this important collaboration that will open up new opportunities for young Nigerians across the country. I later joined the National Management Committee Meeting of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) as Special Guest of Honour at the Women Development Centre, Abuja. The engagement provided another valuable platform to interact with youth leaders and reinforce our collective commitment to youth development, inclusion, and nation-building under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

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Earlier today, I had a follow-up meeting with the team from Cascador, one of the major partners we engaged during the President’s visit to the UK in March. It was a pleasure to receive Dave, Amanda, and Oyin once again, and to acknowledge the important work Cascador is doing in supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs. Initiatives that combine mentorship with funding are exactly what our ecosystem needs at this stage of growth. As a Ministry, our priority remains clear: to create scalable opportunities for Nigerian youth across sectors and regions, at a level that truly drives jobs and economic participation. Our discussions focused on how Cascador can work with us more closely to align our national youth priorities, particularly in key sectors such as technology, agriculture, the creative economy, and green industries. We also explored how this model can be expanded to reach more young Nigerians across different parts of the country. #YouthDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #PublicPrivatePartnership #Nigeria #Jobs #Innovation

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Earlier today, I had the honour of addressing an inspiring gathering of young leaders, innovators, and changemakers at the Abuja Dialogue 2026. The event was a great indication that a new generation of young Nigerians are stepping forward, building capacity, and taking charge. The conversations were bold, the ideas transformative, and the energy unmistakable. Indeed, a generation is rising and we are ready. 🇳🇬

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Today, I received in my office Dr. Felipe Paullier @felipepaullier, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, for a productive and forward-looking engagement on deepening collaboration between Nigeria and the United Nations on youth development. Our discussions focused on strengthening partnerships to advance youth inclusion, innovation, and participation in governance, while aligning Nigeria’s priorities with the global youth agenda championed by the United Nations Youth Office. I highlighted key interventions of the Ministry, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), the Youth Help Desk, and our growing focus on youth mental health through the Yo Health Initiative, all of which are designed to expand opportunity, improve access, and empower young Nigerians to thrive. We also explored areas where technical support and strategic collaboration with the United Nations can help scale impactful programmes, enhance coordination mechanisms, and position Nigerian youth as active contributors to sustainable development and global progress. This engagement reinforces our commitment to ensuring that the voice, energy, and potential of our young people remain central to national and international development efforts. #YouthDevelopment #RenewedHope #GlobalPartnerships #NiYA #UNYouth

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Tomorrow, on the sideline of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development @fmydNG, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria @SMEDANGov , will be hosting a strategic engagement on youth development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The session will bring together key stakeholders to discuss practical ways to equip young Nigerians with skills, support enterprise growth, and harness technology for sustainable opportunities. Taking place at 116 Pall Mall, London, the engagement reflects sustained commitment to creating pathways for youth empowerment, strengthening entrepreneurship, and positioning Nigerian youth to compete globally. Join us! #YouthDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Technology #FMYD #SMEDAN #FutureLeaders

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Following my visit to the @IITA_CGIAR in Ibadan on 5th February 2026 to explore collaboration opportunities, I am happy to report that the engagement has translated into action as we formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute and launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund today. This milestone marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young Nigerians within the agricultural sector. Through this partnership, the Ministry will leverage the network of 42 National Youth Development Centres across the country as Agriculture Hubs, providing integrated spaces for training, production, innovation, and market access. These hubs will support the objectives of our “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, creating clear pathways for young people to transition from training into sustainable agribusiness and employment opportunities. The programme is also designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing young people who wish to venture into agriculture — access to land. Through the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund and the strategic collaboration with IITA, we are laying the foundation for young Nigerians to gain modern agricultural knowledge, explore value-chain opportunities, and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that will enable them build competitive and sustainable agribusiness enterprises. Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most powerful tools for economic diversification, food security, and wealth creation. By strengthening partnerships between government, research institutions, and the private sector, we are positioning young Nigerians not merely as beneficiaries but as drivers of innovation, productivity, and transformation within the agricultural ecosystem. From a productive engagement in Ibadan to the formalisation of a national initiative in Abuja, this partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s youth are equipped with the skills, resources, and opportunities required to shape the future of agriculture and contribute meaningfully to national development. I therefore call on young Nigerians, whether those who have already signed up for our youth in agriculture initiatives or those newly interested, to seize this opportunity. The future of agriculture in Nigeria will be shaped by innovation, enterprise, and youthful energy. This programme is designed to provide the skills, access, and support needed to succeed. I encourage my fellow young people to step forward, take advantage of these platforms, and become active contributors to Nigeria’s food security and economic prosperity. #YouthInAgriculture #RenewedHope #YouthDevelopment #FoodSecurity

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Today, I joined the management and staff of @officialnyscng to mark the one year in office of Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu as the Director General of the scheme. Over the past year, Brigadier General Nafiu has demonstrated purposeful leadership, renewed energy, and a clear commitment to strengthening the NYSC to better serve Nigerian youth. One of the highlights of the occasion was the inauguration of the remodelled NYSC National Directorate Headquarters Clinic, a significant step toward improving healthcare and welfare services for staff and corps members. This milestone reflects the continued dedication of President Tinubu's administration to building stronger institutions that support youth development and national service. I congratulate the Director General and the entire NYSC family on this achievement and look forward to even greater strides in advancing the noble mandate of the Scheme.

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Today, I received the 2026 National Youth Security Emblem from the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO). The presentation is a symbolic recognition of the commitment of Federal Ministry of Youth Development to promoting youth participation in national development, strengthening civic responsibility, and fostering a culture of peace and security among young Nigerians. During the presentation, I reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to empowering young people as critical partners in safeguarding communities, promoting national unity, and advancing sustainable development. I also commended the leadership of the NYO for their continued efforts in mobilizing Nigerian youth toward constructive engagement and nation-building.

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My NYSC journey has been an incredible experience so far. As it gradually comes to an end,I am truly grateful for the growth. One of the highlights for me was having the privilege to meet and engage with the HMYD @ayowisdom_ I want to say thank you HM Ade Linus. FCT corps member

Today, I presented the 2026 Budget of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development before the Joint Committee on Youth Development at the National Assembly. Our proposal reflects a strong focus on capital investment to sustain youth empowerment programmes nationwide. I briefed the session on our achievements in 2025, including the expansion of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), the launch of NIYA Gig and NIYA Startup, the provision of startup grants to over 300 young Nigerians, the creation of 5,000 jobs in the data privacy sector in collaboration with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, and the resolution of over 6,000 cases through the Youth HelpDesk. Despite a progressive reduction in budgetary allocation, our commitment remains firm. We are rehabilitating Youth Development Centres across the country, strengthening digital skills partnerships, and advocating for a structured 15% youth development funding framework at national and state levels. Investing in young people is not optional; it is strategic. With sustained legislative support and improved funding releases, we will continue transforming the potential of Nigerian youth into measurable national growth. #2026Budget

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