About Us
Who are we
We are thrilled to introduce an initiative aimed at elevating and empowering Abia state’s dynamic youth. Our goal is to develop leadership in the next generation of young people by providing opportunities and encouraging creativity.
This program will focus on data-driven youth development processes, talent harvesting in sports, access to information, business and enterprise, incubation through the innovation lab program, capacity development, and empowerment monitoring to create a robust framework that addresses the multifaceted needs of our young population while also focusing on addressing critical issues such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and drug abuse. AYEIP is designed to promote inclusion, upskilling, technology integration, and sports excellence while driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth among the youth population of the state.
The goal of AYEIP is to help young people reach their full potential by giving them access to a range of resources, support networks and programs.
AYEIP Problem Statement
Abia State had an estimated population of about 3.8 million in 2015 with an estimated population of young men and women of about 1.6 million at a growth rate of 12.6 percent annually, and with the estimated growth rate Abia may house over 2 million young people in 2023. Abia youths experience variegated problems but share similar aspirations and concerns. However, different concerted, focused, and well-targeted interventions and service delivery are required to meet the needs of the different categories of youth.
Despite the immense potential and talent of the youth in Abia State, several challenges hinder their holistic development and contribution to society.
These challenges include limited access to inclusive and quality education, inadequate skills development opportunities, high unemployment rates, lack of innovation and technology integration, and suboptimal sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes.
Additionally, the issue of drug abuse poses a significant threat to the well-being and prospects of our youth. Furthermore, the current youth development landscape lacks a comprehensive framework that addresses these multifaceted challenges and provides a coordinated approach to empower and uplift the youth population out of poverty, and support for targeted personal and career growth.
Through the Abia Youth Empowerment and Innovation Program (AYEIP), we aim to bridge these gaps, enhance opportunities, foster innovation, and promote holistic well-being for the youth of Abia State.
My holistic vision for the Abia State, Youth & Sports Sector is to drive a sustainable and Inclusive youth development and promote sports excellence as a contributor to economic growth, healthy living and a safe society.
Data-Driven Youth Development
- Establish a comprehensive youth database to collect, analyse, and maintain demographic, socioeconomic, and educational data on the youth population, with critical social indicators.
- Use data analytics to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for youth development.
- Develop personalised youth development plans based on data insights, ensuring targeted interventions and evidence-based policies and program development.
Talent Harvesting
- Create a robust sports talent identification and development program.
- Launch a State-wide talent scouting and development process in partnership with schools, sports clubs, and local communities to identify and nurture young sporting talents.
- Provide specialized coaching, access to facilities, and support for talented athletes to compete at the national and international levels.
- Establish sports academies and training centers across the state through public and private partnerships to nurture young athletes.
Access to Information
- Create a State Youth Information Portal, offering centralised access to educational resources, career guidance, job listings, and youth-related programs.
- Establish Youth Resource Centers in various locations, equipped with internet access and information kiosks.
Business Incubation
and Innovation Labs
- Establish Innovation Labs through the Youth Resource Centres and in partnership with innovation hubs around the State, focusing on technology, entrepreneurship, and creative industries that will offer training programs and incubation for innovations
- Provide seed funding and mentorship to youth-led startups and innovators.
Access to Information
- Develop targeted programs for marginalised and underprivileged youth, ensuring their inclusion in the development process.
- Offer vocational training and skill development courses to enhance employability.
- Prioritize gender equality and diversity-focused access for People With Disability in all aspects of the program mitigate gender gaps and social exclusion.
- Integrate and promote digital literacy in underserved communities and already existing youth-led businesses for improved ease of doing business and also provide access to affordable digital options.
Addressing SRHR and Drug
Abuse
- Launch comprehensive educational campaigns on sexual and reproductive health.
- Establish counselling centres and hotlines for youth dealing with SRHR issues.
- Run awareness programs on the dangers of drug abuse and provide access to rehabilitation services.
Access to Information
- Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of youth beneficiaries across all program components with key performance indicators.
- Offer periodic capacity-building workshops, leadership training, and soft skills development programs.
- Establish a mentorship network connecting experienced professionals with young individuals and upscaling opportunities for emerging startups.
- Celebrate and amplify success stories and stories of change to inspire other youths and drive a global and national focus on the emerging youth economy.
- Collaborate with local NGOs and community organizations
