The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has officially launched the National Financial Literacy, Investment, and Wealth Creation Training Programme, a flagship initiative designed to equip Nigerian youths with essential skills for entrepreneurship, financial management, and wealth creation.
The event, which was held at the Rainbow Event Marquee Centre, Abuja, featured the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians with knowledge and tools for economic success.
He stated that the Ministry is driving a renewed agenda focused on raising a generation of young innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators.
“We must reshape youth aspirations beyond government jobs. Young people must see themselves as creators of value,” he said.
Olawande emphasized that Nigeria’s future depends on raising a self-reliant, disciplined, and enterprise-driven youth population. The newly launched programme will provide millions of young Nigerians with practical, structured training to support their economic advancement.
“Financial literacy is no longer optional; it is a survival skill. Young Nigerians must learn saving, investing, asset building, risk management, and value creation to thrive in today’s economy.”
He also announced the development of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NiYA), a national digital learning platform modelled after global best practices. The academy will offer accessible online courses, entrepreneurial resources, and capacity-building tools for young Nigerians nationwide.
“Our goal is to democratize knowledge and ensure that every Nigerian youth has access to modern skills,” he added.
Sharing parts of his personal journey, the Minister encouraged young Nigerians to embrace innovation, remain consistent, and take responsibility for their future.
“I came from humble beginnings, but determination and consistency opened doors for me,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Economic Planning and Budget, Senator Atiku Bagudu, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning youth at the heart of national economic transformation. He noted that youth participation is crucial to achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of growing Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“The drive toward a trillion-dollar economy demands innovation, bold thinking, and youth participation,” he said.
He highlighted the growing influence of technology and digital markets globally, urging young Nigerians to leverage emerging opportunities irrespective of their background.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, represented by Mr. Mike Nwaogu, Director of Enterprise Development and Promotion, described the event as a major milestone in building a financially confident and economically active youth population.
“This programme reflects our dedication to strengthening youth empowerment and driving Nigeria’s economic future,” he said.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised the initiative, describing investment in youth as the nation’s most rewarding long-term asset. He called on private sector partners to collaborate with the Ministry to expand youth financial inclusion and support national economic growth.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Enefola Odiba, International Programme Director of Investonaire Academy, noted that while many young Nigerians know how to earn money, the true challenge lies in managing it effectively.
He emphasized that financial empowerment requires discipline, consistency, and practical application of financial knowledge.
