The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has launched the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI) aimed at addressing unemployment, boosting economic growth, and promoting environmental sustainability.
The initiative will be implemented by the government in partnership with SAMU Technology and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN).
Speaking at the unveiling of the initiative in Abuja yesterday, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the government, through the initiative, is aiming to raise a new generation of Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation-builders.
He described the programme as a landmark achievement under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring the administration’s commitment to empowering young people and building a greener, more inclusive economy.
The minister said, “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.”
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 emphasised 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.
Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Yusuf Sununu, noted that Nigeria faces a humanitarian crisis affecting over 3 million people, with a global funding gap of $36 billion.
Sununu urged stakeholders to invest in youth-led waste-to-wealth initiatives that can generate jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen national resilience.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, 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.
A representative of the President of RAN, Blessing Ekwere, 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.
