FG Outlines 9 Key Renewed Hope Youth Initiatives to Build on in 2026

As Nigeria steps into 2026, the Federal Government does so with renewed momentum and purpose. Over the past two years, Nigerian youths have remained at the heart of national development efforts.

Under the leadership of Hon. Ayodele Olawande, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development presents a summary of major milestones recorded in 2025 under the Renewed Hope Agenda, alongside strategic initiatives to be scaled in 2026.

1. NiYA: Driving a Digital Skills Revolution

The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) has emerged as a flagship platform for youth empowerment, transitioning young Nigerians from basic digital awareness to real-world productivity.

Key Achievements:

300,000 youths enrolled in structured learning programmes
63,428 youths trained through the Academy
58 courses available online
26,000 active users on the NiYA Gigs Platform

Also Apply:

Empowering the Gig Economy

Through NiYA Gigs, a nationwide marketplace has been created to connect skilled youths—both formal and informal workers—with onsite and freelance opportunities, unlocking income streams across sectors.

2. Fueling Entrepreneurship: Grants and Startup Support

Recognising that skills must be backed with capital, the Ministry rolled out targeted entrepreneurship interventions to support innovation and job creation.

Key Interventions:

Pitch 1.0: 17 top tech startups awarded ₦1 million each
Pitch 2.0: 100 tech startups and 40 informal businesses shared a ₦100 million funding pool
Corpreneur Support Scheme: 1,000 NYSC members supported with grants and working tools to kick-start their businesses

These initiatives have resulted in hundreds of functional, youth-led enterprises nationwide.

Also Apply: Step-by-Step Guide To Apply for Renewed Hope Ward Development Program 2026

3. Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: YDPAT

The Youth Data Protection Programme (YDPAT) supports Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda by producing data-literate, cybersecurity-conscious youths capable of competing globally.

Programme Structure:

Phase 1: 10 weeks of virtual, self-paced learning (completed February 2026)
Phase 2: Advanced coaching for top performers ahead of the National Data Protection Officers Certification Examination
Phase 3: Licensing and internship placements through partner organisations

Over 59,000 registrations recorded nationwide.

Also Apply: Call for Applications: National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) TVET Placement Internships 2026

4. Advocacy and Youth Support: Nigerian Youth HelpDesk

To strengthen youth-centered governance, the Ministry institutionalised a responsive support system through the Nigerian Youth HelpDesk, addressing health, legal, and social concerns.

Impact So Far:

5,000+ youth interactions recorded
50+ police-related cases successfully resolved
AI Innovation: Launch of a WhatsApp-based HelpDesk Chatbot in November 2025 for real-time assistance

5. NELFUND: Expanding Access to Education

The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) remains a critical Federal Government intervention designed to remove financial barriers to higher education.

Funds Disbursed:

Institutional Fees: ₦89,941,613,617.00
Student Allowances: ₦72,026,840,000.00
Total Disbursement: ₦161,968,453,617.00

Official Website: www.nelf.gov.ng

Channel Section

Join Our WhatsApp Channel Join Our Telegram Group

FG Outlines 9 Key Renewed Hope Youth Initiatives to Build on in 2026