Founder of Activate Success International Foundation, Mrs. Love Idoko-Uloko, has blamed the high level of youth unemployment for the spate of insecurity in the polity.

Speaking during the National Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit (YEEP’25) organized, she said in a country where over 53% of young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 are either unemployed or underemployed, the urgency of youth empowerment cannot be overstated.

She argued that the consequences of untapped potential are far-reaching, not just economically, but socially and nationally, adding that when young minds are disengaged, it creates fertile ground for frustration, insecurity, and social unrest.

She stressed that when they are equipped with skills, vision, and opportunity, they become builders of peace, engines of innovation, and pillars of national growth.

“This is the heart of YEEP: to bridge the gap between potential and productivity, and to ensure that every young Nigerian has the chance not just to survive, but to thrive. This gathering is not just another entry on the national calendar. It is a clear and collective statement: that the future of Nigeria is not only worth discussing, it is worth building, together,” she noted.

“Young people are not just the future of this nation; they are its greatest asset today. With over 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, the strength of our nation lies not in its oil or minerals, but in the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of its youth. I believe this not because it is fashionable, but because I have lived it.”

Idoko-Uloko also expressed gratitude to those that partnered with her foundation for making the donations to the cause of lifting the youths.

The event, which drew over 2,300 registrations from enthusiastic young Nigerians, including past and serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), also marked 10 years of the Foundation.

Over 50 youths received ₦500,000 each, while three others were awarded ₦1 million each during the event held recently.

Additionally, 40 youths with tailoring skills received brand-new sewing machines each from the Chief Executive Officer of Vodi Tailors, Seyi Adekunle, who graced the event and shared his story of humble beginnings.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, at the event donated ₦500,000 each to 37 youths, while Crown Luxury Properties supported 8 corps members in Abuja with ₦500,000 each.

Similarly, Nestlé Nigeria awarded 3 youths ₦1 million each, while the member representing Surulere State Constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot, gave 4 youths ₦500,000 each.

The Director-General of the Rochas Foundation, Ucy Rochas, also supported 2 youths with a total of ₦1.2 million, just as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also committed to giving 5 youths ₦500,000 each.

In his remarks, which were rendered virtually, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu, commended the youth for their innovative abilities, saying that the future belongs to them.

Sharing his own inspiring childhood story, Kalu charged the youths to start early in life to unlock their potentials.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Poverty Alleviation, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who spoke about the efforts of the government to improve the lives of the citizenry, also enjoined the youths not to lose hope but to believe in the country.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on International Cooperation and NGOs, Mawa Umar Gwaba, emphasized the need to embrace digital skills.

For the Youth Skills and Economic Empowerment Officer of UNDP, Katherine Ibrahim, the department will continue to support medium-scale enterprises, adding that youth entrepreneurship is not just an economic tool; it is a force for inclusive growth, dignity, and national transformation.

She noted: “Through the Nigerian Jubilee Fellows, which I think is really relevant to our national youth corps members today, we have also placed over 10,000 youths in jobs. These youths also get paid by UNDP as a support to the challenge of youth unemployment in Nigeria. Beyond this national initiative, we are especially excited to announce that as part of our commitment to this program and also to youth-led MSMEs in general in Nigeria, we will be supporting 5 MSMEs with ₦500,000 as matching funding to help scale their businesses and deepen their community impact.”