Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative For Climate Action 

Are you a young Nigerian looking for a unique opportunity to build a career, become an entrepreneur, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment? The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has launched a groundbreaking program just for you!

The Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI), also known as the ‘Waste to Wealth’ program, is a flagship initiative designed to tackle three major national challenges at once: unemployment, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This is more than just a training program, it’s a movement to empower Nigerian youth to become innovators, job creators, and climate action leaders.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the CEYEI program, from its core objectives and eligibility criteria to the application process and what you stand to gain. Let’s explore how you can turn waste into wealth and build a better future for yourself and the nation.

What is the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI)?

The Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI) is a national program created by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with SAMU Technology and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN). It’s an ambitious initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge needed to create businesses and jobs from waste.

At its core, the program is based on the principle of a circular economy, which is a system designed to eliminate waste and make the most of resources. Instead of the traditional “take, make, dispose” model, a circular economy promotes reducing, reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials. This program helps youth understand and apply these principles to create valuable products and services from things that would otherwise be considered trash.

The launch of CEYEI was a landmark event in Abuja, where the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the program as a step toward raising a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial, and nation-building Nigerians. It’s a key part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, showing the government commitment to empowering youth and building a greener economy. The program is set to be implemented nationwide, ensuring that young people in all 36 states and across the 774 local government areas have an equal chance to participate.

Key Objectives of the CEYEI Program

The CEYEI program is not just about waste management; it has a wide range of objectives that contribute to national development. These goals address some of the most pressing issues in Nigeria today.

1. Youth Empowerment and Job Creation

One of the primary goals of CEYEI is to tackle youth unemployment by creating sustainable jobs. The program aims to empower youth with practical skills in waste collection, sorting, recycling, and proper waste management. It also focuses on training them to turn waste into wealth, thereby creating a new class of entrepreneurs and job creators. The initiative goes a step further by offering selected participants start-up capital after their training, giving them the financial push needed to launch their own waste-to-wealth businesses. This approach moves beyond just giving jobs and instead cultivates a mindset of innovation and self-reliance.

2. Promoting a Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability

The initiative is a bold move towards promoting a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices. By teaching youth how to convert waste into valuable, eco-friendly resources, the program helps to reduce the amount of waste in landfills and the environment. This leads to a number of positive outcomes, including better sanitation, reduced spread of diseases, and a cleaner environment for communities. It also encourages the practice of waste segregation at a grassroots level, starting from individual homes.

3. Climate Action and Low Carbon Emissions

In line with global efforts to combat climate change, CEYEI directly addresses the issue of greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting recycling and waste-to-energy solutions, the program helps to reduce carbon emissions. It also aims to expand the use of biodegradable energy and renewable solutions, positioning young Nigerians as key players in the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This initiative aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4. Economic Growth and Development

Beyond its environmental impact, the program is designed to have a significant positive economic effect. By empowering entrepreneurs and creating new businesses in the waste management and recycling sector, CEYEI will stimulate local economic growth. It also helps to formalize the informal recycling sector, creating a more organized and profitable industry that can contribute to the nation’s GDP.

How CEYEI Contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The CEYEI program is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It directly contributes to several key SDGs, including:

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By creating job opportunities and empowering entrepreneurs, the program helps to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Through improved waste management and cleaner environments, CEYEI contributes to making Nigerian cities and communities more sustainable and livable.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The core principle of the program—turning waste into a resource—is a direct application of responsible production practices.
• By reducing carbon emissions and promoting green technologies, the initiative plays a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Areas of Training in the CEYEI Program

The CEYEI program offers a diverse range of training areas, allowing participants to choose a field that aligns with their interests and skills. The training is practical and hands-on, preparing youth for the real-world challenges of a circular economy.

Some of the key training areas include:

• Learning how to process and repurpose plastic waste into new products.
• Textiles Recycling: Training on how to turn old fabrics into new materials or products.
• Wind Turbines: Gaining skills in the installation and maintenance of small-scale wind energy solutions.
• Waste Exportation: Understanding the logistics and business of exporting recyclable materials.
• Glass Recycling: Learning to crush, sort, and process glass for reuse.
• Metal Recycling: Training on how to handle and process scrap metals.
• E-Waste Recycling: Focusing on the safe and effective disposal and recycling of electronic waste.
• Scraps Recycling: A general training on recycling various types of scraps.
• Waste Valorization to Animal Feeds & Fertilizers:Turning organic waste into valuable resources like animal feed and fertilizer.
• Energy & Community Renewable Solutions: Exploring and implementing small-scale renewable energy projects for local communities.

Eligibility Criteria & Application Requirements

To ensure that the program reaches its target audience, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has set clear eligibility criteria. If you are interested in applying, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a Nigerian citizen.
• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
• You must have an active Bank Verification Number (BVN).
• You must have an active email address and phone number.

When you register, you will also need to provide and upload the following documents:

• A recent Passport Photo (Max 100 KB).
• Your NIN Slip (Max 100 KB).
• Your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, sex, and address.

How to Apply for the CEYEI Program: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for the Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative is straightforward and completely online. Follow these steps to submit your application and get a chance to be part of this life-changing program.

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the program’s official website at: https://wastetowealth.fmyd.gov.ng/.
2. Start Your Registration: Look for the “Register Now” button and click on it to begin the application process.
3. Fill Out the Form: Carefully fill out the application form with your personal information, including your full name, email address, phone number, and other required details.
4. Upload Documents: Upload your passport photo and NIN slip, ensuring they meet the specified file size requirements.
5. Select Your Training Area: Choose the area of training you are most interested in from the list provided.
6. Submit Your Application: Once you have reviewed all the information to ensure it is accurate, click on “Submit Registration” to finalize your application.

Remember to keep a record of your registration details for future reference.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CEYEI

To help you better understand the program, here are answers to some of the most common questions.

Q1. Who is the program for?

The CEYEI program is specifically for Nigerian youths who are 18 years of age and above, with a valid NIN and BVN, and a desire to be trained in a circular economy and ‘waste to wealth’ skills.

Q2. What is the ‘Waste to Wealth’ concept?

The “Waste to Wealth” concept is the idea of transforming waste materials—such as plastics, glass, metals, and organic waste—into valuable products and resources. This includes recycling, upcycling, and turning waste into energy or other useful items, thereby creating economic value from what would otherwise be considered trash. It’s a key part of the circular economy.

Q3. Who is implementing this program?

The program is a collaborative effort. It is implemented by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in partnership with SAMU Technology and the Recyclers Association of Nigeria (RAN). These partners bring expertise in technology, recycling, and youth development to ensure the success of the initiative.

Q4. Will participants receive any funding?

Yes. The program’s objectives include empowering selected youths with start-up capital after their waste-to-wealth business training. This is a significant aspect of the initiative, as it helps turn the skills acquired into real-life businesses.

Q5. How does the program address climate change?

By promoting recycling, waste-to-energy, and sustainable practices, CEYEI directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps to manage waste better, which in turn reduces pollution and the negative environmental impact of landfills.

Q6. How does the program contribute to a cleaner society?

The program encourages good sanitation practices and the segregation of waste in homes and communities. This helps to reduce the spread of diseases, prevent flooding (by preventing blockages in waterways), and reduce environmental pollution.

Conclusion: Seizing an Opportunity for a Sustainable Future

The Circular Economy Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI) is a forward-thinking program that offers a powerful solution to some of Nigeria’s biggest challenges. It provides a unique platform for young people to not only gain valuable skills and financial independence but also to become active agents of change in creating a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous Nigeria.

This initiative is a clear sign that the government, in collaboration with private sector partners, is serious about investing in its youth and leveraging their potential for national development. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that is shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy and environment. Visit the official portal today to register and begin your journey from waste to wealth!