The Abia State Government has announced plans to mobilise and register up to 1 million young people for the Federal Government’s Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP).
The programme was officially launched in Umuahia on August 21, 2026, with the state government expressing its support for the initiative, which is designed to address youth unemployment, poverty and economic exclusion through business support, skills development and other interventions.
Abia YEIDEP Programme Targets 1 Million Youths
The Abia State Government is targeting the registration and onboarding of at least one million youths under the YEIDEP programme.
According to information presented at the state launch, more than 200,000 young people in Abia had already indicated interest in the programme.
The state government is encouraging eligible young people with existing businesses or viable business ideas to take advantage of the initiative.
The Federal Government is reportedly targeting more than 20 million young Nigerians nationwide through the programme.
Who Can Benefit From YEIDEP?
The programme is aimed at young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35, according to statements made during the Abia launch.
Opportunities are expected to cover several economic sectors, including:
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Renewable energy
- Tourism
- Entertainment
- Fashion and beauty
- Food and catering
- Healthcare
- Creative industries
- Other businesses and enterprises
Applicants with existing businesses as well as those with viable business ideas may be encouraged to participate, subject to the programme’s official eligibility requirements.
YEIDEP Grants, Training and Business Support
YEIDEP is being presented as more than a registration exercise. The programme is intended to provide young people with access to different forms of economic support.
These may include:
- Business grants
- Skills training
- Entrepreneurship support
- Business development assistance
- Opportunities to expand existing businesses
- Support for viable business ideas
- Other forms of economic empowerment
The exact nature and amount of support available to an individual beneficiary may depend on the programme’s guidelines, eligibility criteria and selection process.