FG Outline 9 Key Renewed Hope Youths Initiatives To Build On In 2026

By the Federal Ministry of Youth Development | January 2026

As we step into 2026, we do so with renewed momentum. Having positioned Nigerian youth as central to nation-building over the last two years, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, under the leadership of Ayodele Olawande, is proud to share a summary of our 2025 progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

1. NiYA: The Digital Skills Revolution

The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) has become the strongest pillar of youth empowerment in this administration. It is designed to move our youth from mere awareness to meaningful action.

Empowering the Gig Economy

Through NiYA Gigs, we have created a marketplace connecting formal and informal youth workers with onsite and freelance opportunities, enabling skilled professionals to find work across the country.

2. Fueling Entrepreneurship: Grants & Support

Beyond skills, we are providing the capital necessary for innovation to thrive. Our startup interventions have already seen over a thousand beneficiaries running functional, job-creating businesses.

• Pitch 1.0: 17 top tech startups selected, receiving 1 million Naira each.
• Pitch 2.0: 100 top tech startups and 40 informal businesses shared a 100 million Naira fund.
• Corpreneur Support Scheme: 1,000 Corps members reached with grants and working gadgets to start their business journey.

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3. Protecting Our Digital Future: YDPAT

The Youth Data Protection (YDPAT) programme is a strategic contribution to the Federal Government's digital transformation. By building a generation of data-literate and cybersecurity-enabled youth, we are strengthening national security and global competitiveness.

Programme Structure:

• Phase 1: 10 weeks of virtual, self-paced learning (Completed Feb 2026).
• Phase 2: Elite coaching for top performers to prepare for the National Data Protection Officers Certification Exam.
• Phase 3: Licensing and Internship placements through partner organizations.

Over 59,000+ registrations recorded nationwide!

4. Advocacy and Support: The Nigerian Youth HelpDesk

We have institutionalized responsiveness. The HelpDesk serves as a transformative instrument for youth-centered governance, addressing health, legal, and social matters.

• 5,000+ youth interactions recorded since launch.
• 50+ police-related cases successfully resolved.
• AI Innovation: Launched the WhatsApp HelpDesk Chatbot AI in November 2025 for instant support.

5. Nelfund

The Student Loan initiative is a program established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to break financial barriers in higher education.

Amount Disbursed

• Institutional Fee Payments: ₦ 89,941,613,617.00
• Allowance Disbursements: ₦ 72,026,840,000.00
• Total Funds Disbursed: ₦ 161,968,453,617.00

Website: www.nelf.gov.ng

6. YouthCred

YouthCred aims to provide real financial knowledge and real credit across the country, hence transforming a generation with the right money skills to build a great future.

• Real financial knowledge.
• Real credit.
• Transforming a generation with the right money skills.

Website: www.youthcred.com

7. Waste to Wealth

Under the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative for Climate Action (CEYEI), the 'Waste to Wealth' program was created as a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s waste challenges into opportunities.

The initiative trains and equips young Nigerians with the skills to convert waste into eco-friendly products, sustainable businesses, and valuable resources.

• Total Registered Participants: 209,426
• Total Active States: 36 & FCT

Website: www.wastetowealth.fmyd.gov.ng

8. Yo! Health

Yo! Health is a youth-focus health awareness initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health.

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Key Achievements:

• World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Distribution of 700 sanitary pads and over 100 mental health manuals to students and school counsellors.
• Institutional Partnerships: 28 organisational members formally registered.
• HIV Prevention: Contributed to the Q2 HIV NPTWG meeting, advocating for youth-led HIV prevention strategies.
• Global Leadership: Nigeria became the first country to domesticate the Africa CDC’s regional strategy on youth engagement and participation as co-creators.

9. National Electric Tricycle Empowerment Initiative

An initiative designed to empower youths in the informal sector by expanding youth self-employment and mobility entrepreneurship even as Nigeria transitions into a modern green economy.

Join the Digital Transformation Today

Explore our platforms and become a part of the Renewed Hope success story:

Skills & Jobs: nigerianyouthacademy.com
Data Protection: ydpat.fmyd.gov.ng
Assistance: nigerianyouthhelpdesk.com