The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment through innovation and entrepreneurship as 17 promising startups received ₦1 million each under the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) initiative.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande, said the Nigerian Youth Academy was designed to equip young Nigerians with the skills, tools, and networks needed to thrive in an innovation-driven economy.
Speaking at the NiYA Startup Pitch event, Dr. Olawande described the programme as “more than a competition,” noting that it reflects what happens when young Nigerians are given opportunities to turn creativity into sustainable impact.
“This event is part of our NiYA journey to support youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and national development. Through NiYA Gigs, NiYA Jobs, NiYA Academy, and NiYA Startup, we are building an ecosystem that supports young people from learning and training to scaling their businesses,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to view the ₦1 million grants as the beginning of a larger journey, emphasizing that with vision and determination, young Nigerians can develop transformative solutions for their communities and industries.
The minister recalled that the launch of NiYA by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked the beginning of a holistic national framework to nurture youth creativity and enterprise.
“If we support our youth through government and private sector collaboration, in one year, many will become employers of labour. This is not only about training but about creating pathways for young people to apply what they learn,” he added.
Group CEO and Co-founder of Sapphital, Mr. Amu Ogbeide, praised the initiative, describing it as a transparent and inclusive platform for young innovators.
“We picked young Nigerians from across the country to support, mentor, and equip with digital tools to help their ideas grow. One good idea can transform the economy,” Ogbeide said.
Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, disclosed that $25,000 (approximately ₦15–₦20 million) was earmarked for the competition, with each of the 17 winners receiving ₦1 million across different entrepreneurship categories.
He noted that most winning startups operate in technology, logistics, digital services, and lifestyle innovation sectors, adding that the grants would help stimulate innovation and job creation.
Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, lauded the programme, calling it a “critical investment in national development.”
“The empowerment is significant because youths are the future of this nation. Building them means building the nation,” Agama said, noting that the initiative would help young entrepreneurs develop governance and investment readiness skills to scale their businesses.
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