Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Nigeria

We acknowledge that many young Nigerians desire faster and more visible outcomes in the areas of employment, empowerment, skills development, and inclusion in governance. However, it is inaccurate to suggest that the @fmydNG is driven by self-interest or merely using the youth as a facade. The ministry, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, @ayowisdom_ , has continued to engage stakeholders, initiate empowerment programmes, promote digital and entrepreneurial opportunities, and build strategic partnerships aimed at improving the welfare and future of Nigerian youths. We understand that expectations remain high, and constructive criticism is welcome in a democratic society. Nevertheless, sustainable youth development requires collaboration, patience, and collective effort from government institutions, private sector actors, civil society, and the youths themselves. The ministry remains committed to strengthening policies and programmes that will create meaningful opportunities and positively impact young people across the country.

@fmydNG @ayowisdom_ As the federal ministry of youth, it is disconcerting to note that the youth are not receiving the support they deserve. To be candid, the ministry's actions suggest that it is more interested in self-aggrandizement, using the youth as a mere facade.

Earlier today, Honourable Minister, @fmydNG, @ayowisdom_,received representatives of FM System Incorporated alongside the African Regional Representative of SDG Youth during a strategic engagement focused on strengthening partnerships for youth empowerment and sustainable development. The meeting centered on exploring collaborative opportunities in the areas of youth innovation, technology transfer, digital skills development, entrepreneurship, capacity building, and sustainable development initiatives targeted at improving the lives of young people across Nigeria and Africa. During the engagement, discussions also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in creating opportunities for Nigerian youths through vocational training, educational exchange programmes, ICT development, and youth-led innovation projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). @ayowisdom_ reaffirmed the commitment of the @fmydNG to building strategic global partnerships that will empower youths, promote economic inclusion, and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration. The CEO of FM System Incorporated and SDG Youth, Young Jun Lee, commended the Ministry’s efforts towards youth advancement and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in implementing impactful programmes that will foster leadership, innovation, and sustainable development among young people.

Insecurity is a complex national challenge that cannot be attributed to one ministry or individual alone. While the @fmydNG has a critical role in youth empowerment, skills acquisition, employment initiatives, and social inclusion, issues of insecurity are influenced by multiple factors including unemployment, poverty, criminality, governance, social values, and broader security concerns. Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, @ayowisdom_ , the ministry has continued to implement programmes and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering young people through entrepreneurship, digital innovation, capacity building, civic engagement, and sustainable development initiatives. These efforts are designed to address some of the root causes that can make youths vulnerable to crime and social unrest. Addressing insecurity requires a coordinated national approach involving security agencies, communities, educational institutions, families, the private sector, and all levels of government. Constructive engagement and collective responsibility remain essential in achieving lasting peace, stability, and opportunities for Nigerian youths.

@fmydNG @ayowisdom_ The widespread insecurity plaguing our nation is a direct result of the ministry's inability to discharge its responsibilities effectively as the youth minister.

@fmydNG, has officially inaugurated the Domestication and Implementation Committee for the Youth Engagement and Participation in Health (YES! Health) Strategy of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. This historic milestone positions Nigeria as a leading country advancing the domestication of the continental YES! Health Strategy 2025–2028 focused on strengthening youth engagement in health security, leadership, innovation, digital health, and governance. The Committee will drive implementation through: • Youth digital health capacity building • Health leadership & policy literacy initiatives • Community-based youth health champions programs • Strategic stakeholder engagement • Resource mobilisation for sustainable implementation The Ministry welcomes collaboration from government institutions, development partners, private sector organisations, civil society groups, and youth-led organisations. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and youth-driven future. #YESHealth #YouthDevelopment #HealthSecurity #DigitalHealth #Nigeria #AfricaCDC #YouthLeadership

Earlier today, Honourable Minister, @fmydNG, @ayowisdom_ , received representatives of Meta Anglophone West Africa Office, led by Sade Dada, during a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The Meta team briefed the Ministry on the organisation’s activities and interventions within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, as well as opportunities for deeper collaboration in advancing youth empowerment through technology and innovation. During the engagement, the Honourable Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to partnerships that promote innovation, digital inclusion, and youth development. He also emphasized the need to create more digital opportunities for young Nigerians by onboarding them onto existing Meta platforms and programmes to strengthen digital skills, entrepreneurship, content creation, innovation, and access to global opportunities. The Minister further encouraged Meta to work closely with the Ministry in scaling youth-focused programmes, particularly for youths in rural communities and the informal sector, in line with the government’s commitment to expanding digital literacy and inclusive empowerment opportunities across the country. The Honourable Minister also received a delegation from the Institute for Economics and Peace, where discussions focused on the role of youth development and inclusion in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable national growth.

FG partners NYSC, NADDC, and Pi-CNG & EV to train youths in CNG and clean energy skills, boosting jobs and entrepreneurship under Renewed Hope Agenda.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: MY FAMILY COMPANION NATIONAL READING RELAY 🇳🇬 A NATIONAL GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with Dr. Otubo Victor and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, proudly announces a historic national initiative that places Nigerian youths at the center of global impact. In alignment with the Presidential declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, and in commemoration of the International Day of Families, May 15th, we invite passionate young Nigerians to be part of the My Family Companion National Reading Relay. 🗓 Event Date: May 15th, 2026 📍 Location: Virtual Participation (Nationwide & Diaspora) 👥 Eligibility: Nigerians aged 35 and below This landmark event will feature a coordinated national reading of My Family Companion, an award-winning, simple yet research-based health resource written by Dr. OVO (Otubo Victor Ogemdi), advancing maternal, child, and family health awareness. 🌍 Why You Should Apply: ✨ Be part of an official Guinness World Record attempt ✨ Gain national recognition and certification as a record holder ✨ Amplify your voice on a global stage for family health advocacy ✨ Join a community of doctors, students, and health advocates driving change We are calling on: 🇳🇬 Young Nigerians passionate about maternal and child health 🩺 Young Medical professionals | 🎓 Health students 📣 Health advocates | 🌐 Nigerians in diaspora This is more than participation, it is a chance to contribute to a national movement that aligns policy, purpose, and people around strengthening families. 📌 Indicate your interest by registering with the link below and secure your place in history. fmyd.gov.ng/my-family-comp… Together, through our voices, we will educate, empower, and elevate families across Nigeria and beyond. #MyFamilyCompanion #NationalReadingRelay #YearOfFamilies2026 #InternationalDayOfFamilies #YouthForHealth #Nigeria #GuinnessWorldRecord

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE April 17, 2026 FG Unveils Youth-Driven National Action Plan IV as Youth Minister Concludes OGP Leadership Tenure @fmydNG, @ayowisdom_ has formally handed over the baton as State Actors Co-Chair of the Nigeria Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Steering Committee, describing the occasion as one filled with gratitude, reflection, and renewed optimism for the future of open governance in Nigeria. Speaking at the 22nd National Steering Committee Meeting held in Abuja, the Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the journey. “I am deeply grateful for the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, development partners, and ordinary citizens who worked together to strengthen open governance in our country,” he said. Reflecting on the progress made since 2024, Minister Olawande highlighted the wide-ranging consultations conducted across Nigeria and beyond, which gave Nigerians from all backgrounds a real voice in shaping governance processes. He noted that the successful implementation of National Action Plan III (NAP III) delivered tangible results in the areas of accountability, access to information, and citizen participation. “Through NAP III, we made meaningful strides in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, while also amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global OGP stage,” he added. The Minister also formally unveiled National Action Plan IV (NAP IV) a bold, forward-looking framework shaped largely by the voices and aspirations of young Nigerians. The new plan contains twelve commitments across six key thematic areas, including digital governance, justice and human rights, anti-corruption, civic space, and climate action. “NAP IV truly reflects the dreams of a generation that wants greater transparency, accountability, and trust in government,” he said. “However, its success will depend entirely on our collective commitment to effective implementation.” Comrade Olawande commended his Co-Chair, Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, for her strong leadership and dedication in representing non-state actors. He also thanked the OGP Secretariat and all members of the 3rd National Steering Committee for their unwavering support and contributions. In his inaugural remarks, the new State Actors Co-Chair and Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged to build on the solid foundation already laid. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration between state and non-state actors, while ensuring that OGP commitments lead to real improvements in governance and service delivery for ordinary Nigerians. Sen. Bagudu particularly stressed the need to sustain momentum in fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, access to information, and public service delivery. The incoming Non-State Actors Co-Chair, Olusoji Apampa, acknowledged the measurable progress recorded in financial transparency, open contracting, access to information, and open budgeting. “These are not small achievements,” he noted. “They show that openness is a practical tool that can deliver real benefits to citizens.” Apampa pledged to work closely with the new leadership to sustain reforms and strengthen collaboration for the benefit of all Nigerians. Signed, Omolara Esan Director, Information and Public Relations Federal Ministry of Youth Development

Today, at the Banquet Hall Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, addressed a gathering of young leaders, innovators, and changemakers at the Abuja Dialogue 2026. The event was attended by the Vice President of Nigeria, the Governor of Lagos State, and other top government officials, reflecting the importance placed on youth development and national progress. It also highlighted the growing role of young Nigerians who are stepping forward with clear ideas and a strong sense of purpose. The conversations were meaningful, the ideas practical, and the engagement encouraging. A generation is rising, and they are ready to take responsibility.

Today, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande received Felipe Paullier, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, for a productive and forward-looking engagement on deepening collaboration between Nigeria and the United Nations on youth development. The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships to advance youth inclusion, innovation, and participation in governance while aligning Nigeria’s priorities with the global youth agenda championed by the United Nations Youth Office. The Honourable Minister highlighted key interventions of the Ministry, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), the Youth Help Desk, and the growing focus on youth mental health through the Yo Health Initiative, all of which are designed to expand opportunity, improve access, and empower young Nigerians to thrive. The Honourable Minister and the United Nations delegation also explored areas where technical support and strategic collaboration with the United Nations can help scale impactful programmes, enhance coordination mechanisms, and position Nigerian youth as active contributors to sustainable development and global progress. This engagement reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the voice, energy, and potential of young people remain central to national and international development efforts.

Under the leadership of the Hon. Minister, @ayowisdom_ Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s Youth Agribusiness Land Initiative is set to unlock agricultural opportunities for 6 million young people across the country, creating jobs and empowering the next generation in agribusiness

Yesterday, @fmydNG has signed MoUs with the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership Nigeria (CIML) and Mind the Gap Television to promote youth innovation and strengthen youth-focused media engagement across Nigeria. The partnership will drive the Youth Innovate Naija Initiative and support the production of the YouTube programme “The Youths Are Here,” creating platforms for young Nigerians to showcase ideas, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This initiative reflects government’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth, promoting innovation, and connecting young people with opportunities for enterprise and national development. #YouthDevelopment #YouthInnovation #YouthEmpowerment #Nigeria

Awesome! IITA's capacity building and agribusiness support is on point! The IYOUTH program's already making waves with young people, and we believe this will also have a great impact too. Big thanks to @fmydNG

FG Launches Youth Agribusiness Land Initiative 🌱 The Federal Government, through the @fmydNG, has launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YALTF) to unlock land resources in 42 National Youth Development Centres across Nigeria. The initiative, in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), will train over 6 million young Nigerians in modern agribusiness, climate-smart farming, and value-chain opportunities. Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the programme will empower young Nigerians with access to land, skills, and support to become successful agripreneurs. #YouthInAgribusiness #RenewedHope #YouthEmpowerment #Agriculture #Nigeria

Earlier, the Honourable Minister, @fmydNG, @ayowisdom_ , joined the management and staff of @officialnyscng to mark 1 year in office of Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu as Director-General of the Scheme. Over the past year, Brig. Gen. Nafiu has shown purposeful leadership, renewed energy, and a strong commitment to strengthening NYSC for Nigerian youth. A key highlight was the inauguration of the remodelled NYSC National Directorate Headquarters Clinic, improving healthcare and welfare services for staff and corps members. This milestone reflects the dedication of President Tinubu’s administration to building stronger institutions that support youth development and national service. Congratulations to DG Nafiu and the NYSC family on this achievement—here’s to even greater strides ahead! #NYSC #YouthDevelopment #Leadership #FMYD