Minister Launches YouthCred Scheme at Lagos Orientation Camp

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has inaugurated the YouthCred initiative at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

The programme is aimed at improving financial inclusion among corps members through access to responsible credit and financial education.

YouthCred, implemented in collaboration with CrediCorp, provides low-interest loans to support business start-ups, vocational training, and personal development needs.

The scheme is designed to help young Nigerians develop credit literacy, build a positive credit history, and gain financial stability during and beyond their service year.

The initiative is part of the federal government’s broader youth empowerment strategy, including campaigns such as “1 Youth, 2 Skills,” which seek to equip young people with employable and entrepreneurial skills. Through this approach, the government aims to address the growing challenges of youth unemployment and limited access to financing for early-stage business ventures.

Key stakeholders attended the launch, including the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Christiana Salmwang; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; and CrediCorp Managing Director, Uzoma Nwagba.

Also present were Executive Director Aisha Abdullahi and the Camp Director for the 2025 Batch B Stream I orientation course, Ehinwenma Itohan.

Officials emphasized the importance of the scheme in promoting economic self-reliance among Nigerian graduates. The initiative is structured to support corps members with credit for business establishment, rent, relocation, and training, contributing to the development of a financially literate and economically active youth population.

In addition to the launch, financial grants and employment opportunities were presented to select corps members in sectors such as technology, culinary arts, mechanical engineering, and creative industries, underscoring the programme’s practical impact on youth livelihoods.

The event also featured the participation of Nigerian media personalities and entertainers, including Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kie Kie), Boy Pee, Hyce, and Brown Joel, whose performances added a celebratory tone to the occasion.

YouthCred is one of several government-backed initiatives designed to bridge the gap between education and economic empowerment for Nigerian youth, particularly those transitioning from academic life into the workforce.