About Us
The “Nigerian Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP)” was formed out of the existing need to squarely address Nigeria’s overwhelming problems of high youth unemployment, youth economic underutilization, youth poverty and their consequences of low economic development, household poverty, radicalization and insecurity.
The “Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP)” is a pro-youth economic self-emancipation empowerment initiative whose aim is to facilitate and provide adequate economic engagement of youths for active economic participation, nation-building, economic development, de-radicalization and national security. This aim is designed to be achieved by creating and nurturing the enabling economic platforms and opportunities needed by youths to be active participants in the economy and to contribute to social and economic development, as well as political stability and national security.
NIYEEDEP is a youth-focused strategic socio-economic emancipation empowerment intervention launched and anchored by Youths Off The Street Initiative (YOTSI) through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the Nigerian Senate (10th Assembly), through its Committee on Sports Development.
Ayodele Olawande
Coordinating Minister
With a background in Civil Engineering and International Journalism, he has held various roles, including serving as Ondo State APC Youth Leader and Personal Assistant to the Special Adviser on Innovation to the Vice President (2019–2023). On October 23, 2024, he was reassigned as the Minister for Youth Development.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko
Coordinating Senator
He is renowned for his legal contributions to Nigeria's economic recovery, including securing $20 billion in refunds to states and local governments. A former member of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives, he is also the founder of Sports University of Nigeria and chairs several initiatives in tourism, reparations, and sports development.
Olusanya Olubunmi
Coordinating Permanent Secretary
A seasoned microbiologist and environmental expert. With a distinguished career spanning roles at Sona Breweries, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and international representations for Nigeria, he has led the development of key environmental policies, including the Circular Economy Roadmap (2024).
HRH (Alh) Dr Yahaya Abubakar CFR
Coordinating Traditional Ruler
The 13th Etsu Nupe since 2003, is a first-class traditional ruler and retired Brigadier-General in the Nigerian Army. As Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University and Ambrose Alli University, Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, and a prominent figure in national religious and traditional councils, he is a champion of peace and unity
Comrade Kennedy Iyere
Coordinator-General
A renowned humanitarian activist, philanthropist, and social entrepreneur who has spearheaded numerous global initiatives addressing poverty, electoral justice, and power rotation in Nigeria. He founded impactful movements like the “Obidient Movement” and “Power-Shift Movement” and has raised over $1 billion for humanitarian causes across multiple continents. Known for his dedication to uplifting the marginalized, Iyere combines his influence in politics, business, and civil society to drive lasting change.
Shedrach Oka
Administrative Secretary
An author, creative writer, and relationship coach, serving as Executive Director of Skill Africa Development Initiative and Director of Programmes at the Center for Family Peace. He also leads Contacts and Mobilization for several initiatives, including Youths Off The Street and the 40Million Ballots Movement. Based in Abuja, Shedrach holds expertise in Personnel and Industrial Relations Management, Project Management, and is married with children.
Greg Omoregbee
Legal Adviser
A Pastor and a member of the Board of Directors in Tessy Tanyi Ministries. He holds a Diploma in Business Studies, LLB Hons in Business Law and LLM in International Commercial Law. He is the CEO of Royale Business Consultancy, registered in the UK and Spain
Johnny Aikpitanyi
Investment Consultant and Adviser
CEO of Jota-Tela Consultancy Ltd, which is a registered consulting firm in Canada and the USA. His firm has provided consultancy services for clients from both the private and public sectors across Canada, UK, EU, USA, and Africa. Some of his clients include ATCO Electrics, Boeing, Government of Alberta, University of Alberta, Loblaws, City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services, A A FARMS LTD, Edo State Government and Delta State Government
Ifeoma Agbomah
Director of Corporate Communication
She worked as Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Liaison Matters and was a member of Delta State Post-Primary Education Board. She had also served as the Executive Chairman of Delta State Rural Development Agency. She is currently the National Treasurer of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). She is the MD/CEO of Omanis Vicjoyce Nigeria Ltd. Ifeoma is alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School and Nigerian Institute of Auctioneering. She is married with children.
Alistar Soyode
Director of Media Affairs
a frontline media executive and one of the most influential Nigerians in the Diaspora. Dr Soyode is a Media Mogul and the Founder/CEO of BEN Television London, the first black TV Station in the UK and Continental Europe, which broadcasts across Europe, North America, Africa and Nigeria. He is the President and Commandant-General of the Nigerians In Diaspora Mentoring Corp (NIDMECORP) and former President of Nigerians In Diaspora Organization Europe (NIDO Europe).
Mazi Godson Azu
Director of UK and EU Business Cooperation
a renowned International Relations Expert, Global Affairs Analyst, Trade and Investment Facilitator, Leadership and Good Governance Consultant, Author and Motivational Speaker. He is the Chief Executive Officer of CaterandMerger Consult UK and Director of C&M Centre for Leadership and Good Governance UK. Through these organizations, Godson has successfully delivered high quality advisory services and innovative solutions to individuals, organizations, and businesses across various sectors.
Paul Obazele
Director of Entertainment Programmes