Abuja – The National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has publicly commended the Minister of Youths Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, on his one-year anniversary in office, citing significant strides in youth empowerment, security, and health initiatives.
Appointed in October 2024, Minister Olawande has focused on tangible programs aimed at improving the lives of young Nigerians. Key achievements highlighted by the NYCN include a major boost to the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, now standing at ₦110 billion, and the launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA). The “One Youth, Two Skills” program under NiYA has already provided vocational and digital training to over 80,000 youths.
In the critical area of protection and security, the Minister’s office established the “Young and Secure Initiative” and a dedicated Nigerian Youth Helpdesk, which has resolved over 5,700 cases of harassment and other issues.
On health, the Yo! Health Initiative was launched in May 2025 to address mental health, substance abuse, and reproductive health challenges among the youth demographic.
The NYCN leadership stated that these coordinated efforts have “exceeded many targets,” creating new economic opportunities and enhancing the safety and well-being of Nigerian youths.
