Abuja: The Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with key partners, has empowered 17 youth-led startups with a financial grant of N1 million each. The initiative aims to bolster the government’s economic strategy by fostering youth entrepreneurship.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the partners involved in this initiative include the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Superteam, and Saphittal. Speaking at the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA) Startup Pitch 2025 Competition in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the importance of supporting youth-driven initiatives as part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians.

Olawande highlighted the government’s strategy through the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ initiative, designed to equip young Nigerians with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship. He expressed the ministry’s eagerness to collaborate with private organizations, stating plans for future phases of the initiative to engage even more partners.

Ashley Olika, Head of Product at Superteam Nigeria, expressed satisfaction in sponsoring the NIYA Startup Pitch Competition, lauding the Federal Ministry of Youth Development for its proactive role. She extended gratitude to the minister for facilitating Superteam Nigeria’s involvement in the initiative.

Mr. Charles Oddi, Director-General of SMEDAN, reiterated the primary objective of the competition, which is to provide crucial funding for startups. He highlighted the vital role youth-led startups play in Nigeria’s economy, noting the significant financial challenges they face. Oddi also mentioned the successful distribution of approximately N40 to N50 million among the winners, underscoring the potential for these funds to fuel business growth.

He cited examples of innovative businesses like ‘boy boy’ technologies and ‘wash up technologies,’ which integrate technology into everyday services. Oddi emphasized the importance of empowering such entrepreneurs with technological advancements to enhance their business operations.