ABUJA, FCT – In a landmark move towards sustainable youth empowerment across the Federation, the Africa Projects Development Centre Group (APDC) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD).  

The collaboration was formalised yesterday in Abuja through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, H.E. Comrade Ayodele Olawande, and the Managing Director of APDC Group, Dr Chiji Ojukwu.  

At the heart of this partnership lies the revitalisation of Youth Development Centres across Nigeria. By integrating private-sector efficiency with public-sector reach, this collaboration aims to transform these facilities into high-impact hubs for vocational training, digital innovation, and entrepreneurial incubation.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the collaboration as a shared commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive youth development framework. He added that the partnership will strengthen the Ministry’s institutional capacity in donor engagement, project implementation, and results-based monitoring and evaluation.

"I commend the APDC Groupfor their readiness to collaborate with the Ministry on this journey of genuine, organic development," the Minister stated. "Together, we will curate meaningful opportunities for our youth, and I look forward to the profound impact this partnership will undoubtedly deliver."

Detailing the practical strategy that APDCbrings to this national assignment, Dr Chiji Ojukwu noted that success in youth development comes down to more than just training; it requires a model that communities can truly lean on.

"Our approach goes beyond traditional empowerment; it builds a sense of communal ownership and strengthens local capacity so that development continues long after our work is done," Dr Ojukwu explained. "We have empowered over 9,000 youth and women through our programmes in Agribusiness, the Creative Arts, and the Circular Economy, achieving an impressive 70%enterprise sustainability rate."

He further noted that the partnership with the Ministry is the catalyst needed to bring these results to a national scale. "This MoUnow enables us to replicate this proven model through revitalised Youth Development Centres, extending our reach to communities across the Federation that have long awaited such opportunities." Ultimately, Dr Ojukwu noted, that in addition to empowering youths and women and strengthening economic livelihoods of our communities, the lessons of experience will feed into and enhance future policies on youth development in the country.

As Nigeria's youth population grows, so does our collective responsibility to provide the infrastructure they need to thrive. This MoUrepresents a shared commitment to ensuring that no young Nigerian is left behind, and that every individual has the tools, training, and support to turn their potential into lasting prosperity.

The vision is clear; the foundation is set; and the work begins now.