Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEP) began in 2018 to develop models of youth training in which marginalized young people are trained in market-relevant skills and subsequently supported into sustainable jobs or enterprise. The NDYEP is a two-year collaboration between Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Ford Foundation which aims to contribute to addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment in the Niger Delta.
The Niger Delta is home to a vibrant, resourceful generation—but many young people face barriers to employment, education, and entrepreneurship. The Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) program was created to shift this reality by preparing youth for the labor market through technical training, enterprise development, and job placement support.
YEP isn’t a one-size-fits-all training program—it’s a dynamic model designed to match youth potential with market demand. Whether it’s solar installation, agribusiness, software engineering, leather work, or tailoring, the program equips young people with the skills they need to launch careers or grow businesses.
This program contributes to PIND’s mission by strengthening economic systems through workforce development. YEP supports inclusive growth by providing demand-driven training that gives young people—especially women and those with disabilities—access to dignified, sustainable work.
It also reduces conflict triggers tied to unemployment and restlessness, positioning youth as contributors to peace, innovation, and community resilience.
Providing actionable data to guide inclusive policies.
Supporting youth-led startups with seed funding and advisory.
Providing financial aid, soft skills, and career guidance.
Creating access to workspaces, tools, and real job markets.
YEP directly serves young people aged 16–35, focusing on:
Since its inception, the NDYEP project has:
YEP aims to expand its reach through:
To empower young people in the region to attain relevant technical and vocational skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
Farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) reached with information on best practices and technological innovations
Due to the high rate of unemployment and lack of economic opportunities for youth in the region, PIND partnered with donors and local implementing organizations to help youth in the region to:
Farmers and MSMEs enabled with improved knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) that increase their productivity
Farmers and MSMEs enabled with improved knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) that increase their productivity
Before joining the TechBootcamp organized by NDYEP and Olotu Square, Esther Akachi only knew basic computer tools. Through daily practice, mentorship, and hands-on training, she built strong programming skills that opened new doors.
Today, she works on a government tech project and freelances on the side — a testament to how NDYEP transformed her confidence, career, and future.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come — learning new frameworks on my own, thanks to the foundation NDYEP gave me.”
NDYEP graduate
Through PIND’s support, the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has achieved a very appreciable milestone in developing the Niger Delter Regional peacebuilding strategy, a regional security framework. PIND’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region has positively impacted the lives of countless indiividuals and communities. PIND’s work aligns with the mandate of the Ministry to improve the living condition of Niger Deltans in general. Hence, the Ministry will continue to collaborate with the foundation to improve situation in the region.
Director, Planning Research & Statistics Ministry of niger delta affairs
Through PIND’s support, the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has achieved a very appreciable milestone in developing the Niger Delter Regional peacebuilding strategy, a regional security framework. PIND’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region has positively impacted the lives of countless indiividuals and communities. PIND’s work aligns with the mandate of the Ministry to improve the living condition of Niger Deltans in general. Hence, the Ministry will continue to collaborate with the foundation to improve situation in the region.
Director, Planning Research & Statistics Ministry of niger delta affairs
Through PIND’s support, the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has achieved a very appreciable milestone in developing the Niger Delter Regional peacebuilding strategy, a regional security framework. PIND’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region has positively impacted the lives of countless indiividuals and communities. PIND’s work aligns with the mandate of the Ministry to improve the living condition of Niger Deltans in general. Hence, the Ministry will continue to collaborate with the foundation to improve situation in the region.
Director, Planning Research & Statistics Ministry of niger delta affairs
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