Oyebanji Boosts Youth Development with N49m Grant for 90 Ekiti Organisations

The Ekiti State Government has strengthened its youth empowerment drive with the disbursement of N49 million to 90 youth organisations across the state.

The financial support, released under the second phase of the 2026 youth subvention programme, is aimed at enhancing the capacity of youth, student and community-based groups to implement developmental projects and sustain their activities.

State Commissioner for Youth Development, Adesola Adedayo, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young people and increasing their participation in community development and governance.

He noted that the programme has been expanded to include grassroots youth organisations, ensuring wider access to government support and creating opportunities for more young people to contribute to the state’s development agenda.

According to him, the intervention is designed to reduce the financial burden on youth associations, enabling them to execute impactful programmes without relying heavily on external assistance.

Adedayo urged the beneficiary groups to channel the funds into projects that promote leadership, skills acquisition, community engagement and youth advancement. He added that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure transparency, including the use of verified association accounts and post-disbursement accountability reports.

The government’s Special Assistant on Youth Development, Elijah Maxwell, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Ekiti youths, noting that it has helped organisations organise programmes, strengthen their operations and engage members in productive ventures.

Youth leaders and beneficiaries welcomed the intervention, describing it as a timely support that would enhance their ability to deliver impactful programmes, improve organisational effectiveness and expand opportunities for young people at the grassroots.

They also praised the inclusion of community-based groups in the scheme, saying it would deepen youth participation in development efforts and foster stronger collaboration among organisations across the state.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government for sustaining the programme and reaffirmed their commitment to using the funds to drive initiatives that will positively impact young people and their communities.