Ayodele Olawande

Tomorrow, on the sideline of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development @fmydNG, in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria @SMEDANGov , will be hosting a strategic engagement on youth development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The session will bring together key stakeholders to discuss practical ways to equip young Nigerians with skills, support enterprise growth, and harness technology for sustainable opportunities. Taking place at 116 Pall Mall, London, the engagement reflects sustained commitment to creating pathways for youth empowerment, strengthening entrepreneurship, and positioning Nigerian youth to compete globally. Join us! #YouthDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Technology #FMYD #SMEDAN #FutureLeaders

Following my visit to the @IITA_CGIAR in Ibadan on 5th February 2026 to explore collaboration opportunities, I am happy to report that the engagement has translated into action as we formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute and launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund today. This milestone marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for young Nigerians within the agricultural sector. Through this partnership, the Ministry will leverage the network of 42 National Youth Development Centres across the country as Agriculture Hubs, providing integrated spaces for training, production, innovation, and market access. These hubs will support the objectives of our “One Youth, Two Skills” initiative, creating clear pathways for young people to transition from training into sustainable agribusiness and employment opportunities. The programme is also designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing young people who wish to venture into agriculture — access to land. Through the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund and the strategic collaboration with IITA, we are laying the foundation for young Nigerians to gain modern agricultural knowledge, explore value-chain opportunities, and adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that will enable them build competitive and sustainable agribusiness enterprises. Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most powerful tools for economic diversification, food security, and wealth creation. By strengthening partnerships between government, research institutions, and the private sector, we are positioning young Nigerians not merely as beneficiaries but as drivers of innovation, productivity, and transformation within the agricultural ecosystem. From a productive engagement in Ibadan to the formalisation of a national initiative in Abuja, this partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s youth are equipped with the skills, resources, and opportunities required to shape the future of agriculture and contribute meaningfully to national development. I therefore call on young Nigerians, whether those who have already signed up for our youth in agriculture initiatives or those newly interested, to seize this opportunity. The future of agriculture in Nigeria will be shaped by innovation, enterprise, and youthful energy. This programme is designed to provide the skills, access, and support needed to succeed. I encourage my fellow young people to step forward, take advantage of these platforms, and become active contributors to Nigeria’s food security and economic prosperity. #YouthInAgriculture #RenewedHope #YouthDevelopment #FoodSecurity

Today, I joined the management and staff of @officialnyscng to mark the one year in office of Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu as the Director General of the scheme. Over the past year, Brigadier General Nafiu has demonstrated purposeful leadership, renewed energy, and a clear commitment to strengthening the NYSC to better serve Nigerian youth. One of the highlights of the occasion was the inauguration of the remodelled NYSC National Directorate Headquarters Clinic, a significant step toward improving healthcare and welfare services for staff and corps members. This milestone reflects the continued dedication of President Tinubu's administration to building stronger institutions that support youth development and national service. I congratulate the Director General and the entire NYSC family on this achievement and look forward to even greater strides in advancing the noble mandate of the Scheme.

Today, I received the 2026 National Youth Security Emblem from the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO). The presentation is a symbolic recognition of the commitment of Federal Ministry of Youth Development to promoting youth participation in national development, strengthening civic responsibility, and fostering a culture of peace and security among young Nigerians. During the presentation, I reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to empowering young people as critical partners in safeguarding communities, promoting national unity, and advancing sustainable development. I also commended the leadership of the NYO for their continued efforts in mobilizing Nigerian youth toward constructive engagement and nation-building.

My NYSC journey has been an incredible experience so far. As it gradually comes to an end,I am truly grateful for the growth. One of the highlights for me was having the privilege to meet and engage with the HMYD @ayowisdom_ I want to say thank you HM Ade Linus. FCT corps member

Today, I presented the 2026 Budget of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development before the Joint Committee on Youth Development at the National Assembly. Our proposal reflects a strong focus on capital investment to sustain youth empowerment programmes nationwide. I briefed the session on our achievements in 2025, including the expansion of the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA), the launch of NIYA Gig and NIYA Startup, the provision of startup grants to over 300 young Nigerians, the creation of 5,000 jobs in the data privacy sector in collaboration with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, and the resolution of over 6,000 cases through the Youth HelpDesk. Despite a progressive reduction in budgetary allocation, our commitment remains firm. We are rehabilitating Youth Development Centres across the country, strengthening digital skills partnerships, and advocating for a structured 15% youth development funding framework at national and state levels. Investing in young people is not optional; it is strategic. With sustained legislative support and improved funding releases, we will continue transforming the potential of Nigerian youth into measurable national growth. #2026Budget

Earlier today, I joined our partners at the launch of the ICSS MSME Financing Scheme, alongside SMEDAN, Kaduna Business School, the German Cooperation, Jaiz Bank, and other critical stakeholders committed to strengthening Nigeria’s enterprise ecosystem. Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges facing young Nigerians with bold ideas and the energy to build sustainable businesses. Many of our young people are prepared to work; what they often lack is structured support and the capital to scale. At the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, we are tackling this gap through the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), expanding access to practical skills, digital capabilities, enterprise development pathways and startup support. But we need partnership and collaboration to scale up and expand the space of opportunity for a greater number of young Nigerians. This why collaboration between public and private institutions, such as the one we witnessed today is so important; because when young entrepreneurs are properly trained, structured, and linked to finance, businesses grow, jobs are created, and confidence in youth enterprise increases. The ICSS Financing Scheme aligns perfectly with our broader agenda to prepare young entrepreneurs, connect them to markets, and support them with responsible financing. It rewards preparation, recognises discipline, and promotes access based on compelling structure. I commend all partners driving this process and encourage our young entrepreneurs to build carefully, grow sustainably, and create real value. That is how we will change the narrative of youth enterprise in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda. #ICSSFinancingScheme #MSMEFinancing #YouthEnterprise #NigerianYouth #NiYA #StartupSupport #EnterpriseGrowth #DigitalSkills #SMEDAN #JaizBank #PublicPrivatePartnership #EconomicEmpowerment #JobCreation #Entrepreneurship #RenewedHopeAgenda #BuildingTheFuture #Youth4Youth

This evening, I attended the 50th birthday celebration of Chief Matthew Tonlagha, the Vice Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The gathering brought together friends, associates, admirers, and beneficiaries of his work to celebrate not just a milestone age, but a legacy of impact built through discipline, innovation, and unwavering commitment to societal advancement. Recognizing his impressive contribution to youth development over the years, we used the opportunity of the birthday celebration to present the National Youth Development Award 2026 to him in appreciation of his consistent investment in creating opportunities for young Nigerians. Through his leadership in business, humanitarian interventions, environmental advocacy, and mentorship initiatives, Chief Tonlagha has demonstrated that true leadership is measured not only by economic success but by the lives transformed and futures secured. His support for youth empowerment and community development reflects a deep understanding that the strength of any nation lies in the potential of its young people, a contribution also highlighted in our formal commendation to him. As he celebrates this golden milestone, I join countless Nigerians in celebrating a man whose story reinforces the power of service-driven success. Chief Matthew Tonlagha represents a generation of leaders who have chosen to open doors for others, nurture talent, and promote sustainable development while remaining committed to humanitarian causes and nation-building. I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and wish him many more years of impactful service, greater accomplishments, and expanded platforms to continue shaping the future of our youth and our nation.

I am visiting the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) @IITA_CGIAR in Ibadan to firm up our ongoing partnership talk to designate selected National Youth Development Centres as Agriculture Hubs to expand the Youth in Agriculture Programme. These hubs will serve as integrated spaces for training, production, innovation, and market access, aligned with our "One Youth, Two Skills" initiative and designed to create clear pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for young Nigerians. Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s most powerful tools for economic diversification, food security, and wealth creation. To fully harness this potential, young people must be positioned not just as beneficiaries but as drivers of innovation, productivity, and sustainability. By equipping them with modern agricultural skills, digital tools, climate-smart practices, and agribusiness opportunities, we are preparing them to compete locally, regionally, and globally. Our collaboration with IITA reinforces the importance of strong partnerships between government, research institutions, and the private sector in building a resilient agricultural ecosystem. Together, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of youth-led agricultural enterprises that will strengthen national prosperity and secure Nigeria’s food future. #YouthInAgriculture #RenewedHope #YouthDevelopment #FoodSecurity #Agribusiness #OneYouthTwoSkills #nationbuilding

Earlier today, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, and senior officials of the Ministry, I received the leadership of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), led by its President, Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe, FNSE, FNIWE. APWEN has, over the years, played a leading role in promoting STEM education through advocacy, mentorship, leadership development, and structured programmes that encourage young women and girls to pursue careers in engineering and technology. Recognising the strong alignment between their STEM drive and the Ministry of Youth Development’s skills, innovation, and employability agenda; (particularly through the Nigerian Youth Academy), we discussed opportunities for collaboration to scale impact and strengthen our youth pipeline. I reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to partner on youth-focused STEM pathways, mentorship schemes, and technical skills development for both young women and men. As an award recipient of the Ultimate Girls’ Champion, I remain personally committed to supporting this year’s SHE Engineers Initiative and Women Engineers Career Fair, to inspire more girls and women to dream bigger and thrive in engineering and technology.

As we continue the work of strengthening the @officialnyscng and deepening its alignment with our national development priorities, we must remain deliberate about one core objective: ensuring that every young Nigerian who passes through the programme has a dignified, safe, and rewarding experience. The NYSC is more than a rite of passage; it is a national institution that shapes character, fosters unity, and prepares our youth for responsible citizenship and service. That is why today, alongside the Director-General, Brig. Gen. O. O. Nafiu, I visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa, FCT, to personally assess ongoing registrations and welfare arrangements. Our focus was simple and clear — standards, efficiency, and the well-being of our corps members. As a longstanding national institution, we must continue to take the necessary actions to ensure that the NYSC remains a credible platform that truly serves Nigerian youth and the nation at large. #youthinservice

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the @NGSuperEagles on their hard-fought victory over Egypt to secure the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations. This result is more than a third-place finish; it is a powerful statement from a proud football nation that understands resilience, discipline, and belief, even in the face of difficult moments. After the disappointment that preceded this match, the response of the team speaks volumes about their character, and by extension that of average Nigerian youth. The composure, unity, and fighting spirit displayed against a formidable Egyptian side reflect the true DNA of Nigerian football, the ability to rise, regroup, and finish strong when it matters most. This performance once again underscores the role of sports as a source of national pride and youth inspiration. For millions of young Nigerians watching, the Super Eagles have shown that setbacks do not define the journey; courage, commitment, and the determination to respond positively do. That lesson is as valuable as the medal itself. I commend the players, technical crew, and all stakeholders for flying our flag high and restoring confidence in the strength of Nigerian football. The bronze medal you have won is a symbol of honour, resolve, and national unity. Congratulations, Super Eagles. Nigeria celebrates you.

I was in Edo State to secure the release of 52 students who were detained following protests in their community, an intervention that underscores our commitment to responsive leadership and calm engagement. I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo @he_mondayokpebholo, whose decisiveness, humility, and people-first approach ensured a swift and humane resolution. His actions reaffirm a deep commitment to education, justice, and the wellbeing of young people in Edo State. I also commend the Edo State Education Commissioner, Dr. Paddy Iyamu @dr_emmapaddy, for his steady leadership and constructive engagement throughout the process. This outcome sends a clear message: dialogue works, education matters, and the voices of young Nigerians deserve protection within the bounds of peace and responsibility. #youth4youth

I extend my deepest sympathies to British-Nigerian boxing champion, Anthony Joshua (AJ), following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. This is an incredibly difficult moment, and my thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Joshua as he grieves this painful loss. The passing of loved ones leaves a void that words can hardly fill, and this sorrow is shared not only by his family and friends, but by the millions who admire and draw inspiration from him across the world. Anthony Joshua remains a powerful symbol of resilience, discipline, hard work, and excellence; values that continue to inspire young Nigerians globally. Personally, I recognize the influence and responsibility borne by figures like Anthony Joshua, whose life journey motivates many of our young people to persevere, believe in themselves, and strive for greatness. In this moment of grief, I stand firmly in solidarity with him, offering prayers, strength, and comfort. I also extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. May they find comfort in cherished memories and in the love and support of their communities. I pray that God grants them peace, strength, and the grace to bear this loss. As a nation, Nigeria shares in this grief, while reaffirming empathy and support for one of its own during this time of deep human vulnerability. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.

Federal Ministry of Youth Development Launches Enterprise Content Management System to Fully Transition to Paperless Operations. The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has launched its Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), marking a major step in the Federal Government’s drive for a fully paperless and digitally efficient civil service. The system, deployed in partnership with Galaxy Backbone Limited on the One Government Cloud Platform, is designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, record management, and service delivery across the Ministry. In his keynote address, Honourable Minister Comrade Ayodele Olawande, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, described the ECMS as a transformational tool that shifts the Ministry from manual processes to seamless digital workflows, accelerating decision-making and strengthening accountability. Staff were urged to embrace the system to reduce clerical workload and improve programme design, monitoring, and youth engagement, while the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended the Ministry for demonstrating leadership in public service digital transformation. @asovilladigital | @fmydNG

It was an honour to deliver the keynote address at the BRG Excellence Black Tie Event in Lagos today, where I spoke on the power of frontliners; leaders defined not by titles, but by courage, responsibility, and the willingness to move first. Frontliners are those who stand in the gap between what Nigeria is and what it can become. I emphasized that real estate is far more than land and buildings; it is the physical architecture of national prosperity. When built with vision, innovation, integrity, and trust, the sector drives urban renewal, job creation, wealth generation, and long-term national growth, making leadership in real estate an act of nation-building. I commend the Billionaire Realtors Group (BRG) for building an ecosystem rooted in excellence and service, and for inspiring a new generation to lead boldly, build sustainably, and shape the future of our cities and our nation.

Following our successful NIYA StartUp event yesterday in the Villa, I received a delegation from the Office of the Vice President comprising the Special Assistant to the President on Workforce Development, Rimamskeb Nuhu; the Strategic Partnerships Lead, Afolabi Imoukhuede; and the Monitoring & Evaluation Lead, Aliyu Aminu Ahmed, all from the Vice President’s Delivery Unit. Our conversation focused on strengthening implementation support for the Nigeria Youth Academy (NIYA), the Youth HelpDesk, and the newly established Project Coordination Unit of the Ministry of Youth Development. During our engagement, we reviewed ongoing milestones, aligned on key priorities, and explored strategies to enhance coordination between our teams for greater national impact. The meeting reaffirmed our collective commitment to building efficient, transparent, and youth-centred delivery structures that ensure NiYA and other flagship interventions reach more young Nigerians with speed, quality, and measurable results. #NIYA #Collaboration #YouthHelpDesk