The Senate Committee on Sports Development, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has launched the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalization Programme (NIYEEDEP) to boost youth engagement through sports and provide economic empowerment.
The program, inaugurated at the National Assembly on Wednesday, aims to foster talent discovery, de-radicalization, and personal growth among Nigerian youth.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Sports Committee, highlighted the program’s focus on talent discovery, underscoring the need to uncover potential athletes across the country.
“The essence of this initiative is to identify and nurture young talents who often go unrecognized due to lack of access and support,” Senator Nwoko stated.
He noted that NIYEEDEP will engage international partnerships, particularly with Germany-based football academies, to train promising Nigerian athletes.
Senator Nwoko further linked NIYEEDEP to his own vision at the Sports University of Nigeria (SUN), which combines sports and academics to ensure students develop both athletic and academic skills.
“This university will allow young talents to pursue sports while earning an academic degree, preparing them for life beyond their athletic careers,” he explained.
