The Permanent Secretary of the Political & Economic Affairs Office (PEAO) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, has disclosed that about 13 million Nigerians have so far registered for the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP).

She made the disclosure while speaking at the Stakeholders Interactive Forum on Youth Entrepreneurship and Job Creation, organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Mrs. Warrens said the Federal Government had embarked on extensive grassroots engagement across the country to ensure broad participation in the programme.

“We have visited states, we have done our conferences at the grassroots. We have authentic data of about 13 million Nigerians who have so far registered for the YEIDEP programme,” she said.

She explained that YEIDEP is a strategic initiative of the Federal Government designed to run for ten years, with a unique implementation structure aligned with the policy agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

According to her, the programme is aimed at empowering young Nigerians through entrepreneurship, promoting sustainable business development, creating employment opportunities, and addressing the root causes of insecurity.

Mrs. Warrens stressed that YEIDEP will drive youth economic emancipation by equipping participants with the support needed to establish and grow businesses, thereby contributing to national economic development and social stability.

The Stakeholders Interactive Forum brought together government officials, youth groups, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration towards the successful implementation of the programme and expand opportunities for youth entrepreneurship and job creation across Nigeria.