Rafiu Olaore addressed an audience of over 300 youth as a guest speaker at the orientation program for procurement and supply chain management students at Osun State Polytechnic Iree in Nigeria on 17 March 2025. During his address, Rafiu commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its initiative in introducing entrepreneurship education, which aims to […]
Tackling the Youth Unemployment Crisis for a Peaceful Society Read More »
On February 17, 2025, Rafiu Olaore participated as both a Guest Speaker and moderator at the inauguration of the Maseglo Health and Social Welfare Foundation in Osogbo, Nigeria. Mr. Olaore addressed the myriad challenges that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) encounter in developing countries. He outlined issues such as pervasive misconceptions surrounding NGO activities, obstacles in fundraising,
Civil Society’s Role in Socioeconomic Development Read More »
The British Council has recognised Rafiu Olaore as a finalist for the StudyUK Social Action Award in Nigeria on 15 February 2025. This accolade highlights his contributions and impact on youth employment opportunities, gender inclusion and community development. As a founder of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society – YEDIS, Rafiu continues to shape
Rafiu Olaore Emerged StudyUK Social Action Award Finalist in Nigeria Read More »
On behalf of the Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), we are honored to announce that Rafiu Olaore has been recognized as a finalist for the British Council Study UK Alumni Social Action Award on 15 February 2025. This prestigious award was presented by the Honourable Minister of Education of Nigeria, Dr. Tunji Alausa,
British Council Honours Rafiu Olaore with the Social Action Award Finalist in Nigeria. Read More »
Dear Esteemed Stakeholders and Members of YEDIS, We are pleased to announce that the 2024 Annual Activity Report of the Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) has been published on the YEDIS website and the United Nations Global Compact platform. For your convenience, the links to access the report are provided below: https://yedis.org/2024-annual-activity-report-of-the-youths-enterprise-development-and-innovation-society-yedis/ https://unglobalcompact.org/participation/report/cop/detail/482768
Dear Members of YEDIS and Respected Stakeholders, It is with great pleasure that I announce the recent recommendation by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Committee for the Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) to obtain “Special Consultative Status” as of 20 January 2025. This recognition reflects our unwavering dedication to promoting
Recommendation for UN Special Consultative Status Read More »
Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Distinguished Stakeholders, It is with great honor that we announce the election of Mr. Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Founder of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), as the representative for Western and Central Africa in the World Bank Group – International Monetary Fund Civil Society Policy Forum Working Group for
Appointment to the WBG-IMF Civil Society Policy Forum Working Group Read More »
The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society – YEDISÂ in partnership with the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) Ikirun branch, organized a capacity-building workshop specifically targeted towards grassroots women and youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) associated with the Ikirun NASFAT Islamic organization. This event was held at the Ikirun NASFAT Mosque, located on
Capacity Building Workshop for Grassroots Women and Youth-Led SMEs Read More »
On 23 November 2024, the Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) convened a Train-the-Trainers workshop and reception for its volunteers and staff in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Mr. Rafiu Olaore, the Founder and Executive Director of YEDIS, facilitated the workshop. Mr. Olaore recently participated as a panelist, speaker, and delegate in several international forums,
Train-the-Trainers Workshop and Reception for YEDIS Volunteers and Staff Read More »
The 2nd International Financial Inclusion Conference, organized by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the World Bank and various partners, represented a transformative and informative gathering. The conference took place at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, from November 12 to 13, 2024, under the theme “Inclusive Growth: Harnessing Inclusion for
Powering Nigeria’s Inclusive Growth through MSMEs – IFIC2024 Read More »
YEDIS CEO Rafiu Olaore: I had the distinct honor of participating for the third consecutive time in the annual meeting organized by The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, along with the Civil Society Policy Forum, which occurred from October 21 to 26, 2024, in Washington, DC. This event encompassed a series of
In advance of the October 2024 Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security, this open letter was sent to UN Member States on behalf of 628 civil society signatories, including the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation (YEDIS) from 110 countries working on issues related to gender equality and women’s rights, peace and security,
On September 25, 2024, a significant discourse occurred at the Journalists and Writers Foundation’s (JWF) 9th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conference, In the Margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) at the Grand Ballroom, 630 Second Avenue, New York, USA. The discussion comprised three panels centered on themes: 1. “Summit of the Future:
On September 24th, 2024, Rafiu Olaore, the Chief Executive Officer of YEDIS, actively participated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Roundtable Discussion arranged by the Journalists and Writers Foundation in New York City, USA. The discussion was centered on two key themes: firstly, the Interfaith Contributions to SDGs Achievements, and secondly, the Civil Society Best
2024 SDGs Roundtable Discussion in New York: In the Margins of UNGA79 Read More »
The Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Rafiu Olaore, was honored to participate in the United Nations Summit of the Future held at the UN Headquarters in New York City, USA, from September 22 to 23, 2024. This exclusive invitation from the United Nations allowed Olaore to actively engage in
On 21 September 2024, Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, the Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), facilitated a workshop entitled “Digitalization and Rural Entrepreneurship: The Pathways to Youth Employment, Peace, and Prosperity” at the One Young World Summit in Montreal, Canada. The session, attended by delegates from the United States, Canada, Europe,
During the World Trade Organization Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, on 11 September 2024, the YEDIS Executive Director, Rafiu Olaore, was honored to participate as a panelist at the “Knowledge Cafe: Trade for Peace Session .” In this capacity, he emphasized the criticality of meaningful youth employment, inclusive trade, and women’s empowerment as essential elements
YEDIS advocates for Meaningful youth Employment at WTO Public Forum 2024 Read More »
On the 11th of September 2024, Rafiu Olaore, the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), conducted a comprehensive briefing on the YEDIS Initiative with Grace Hu, an intern at the World Trade Organization (WTO), during the WTO Public Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland. YEDIS, a non-governmental organization in Nigeria,
A Briefing with WTO Staff about the YEDIS Initiative in Geneva, Switzerland Read More »
The Youth Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) and multi-stakeholder organizations within the ‘C20 Brazil Working Group 2’ have collaboratively developed a Policy Brief focusing on Food Systems, Hunger, and Poverty. The Steering Committee approved the policy brief for discussion at the C20 Brazil 2024 summit. The document is accessible via the following link: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:d3fe0eed-0214-4e22-b78b-e87719021ac1
Policy Brief on Food Systems, Hunger, and Poverty. Read More »
YEDIS CEO Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore served as a Guest Speaker at the Biennial General Reunion of the OSCOTECH Professional Accountant Alumni at the Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, Osun State, Nigeria, on 7 September 2024. The presentation underscores the significance of effective Public-Private partnerships and stakeholder collaboration in creating a conducive environment and
A Keynote Speech by Dr. Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Executive Director of Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Osogbo, Nigeria, at Aduragbemi Foundation Award Ceremony, Iba, Osun State, Nigeria on 31 August 2024. Download the Presentation here
The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Community Development Read More »
The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) team actively participated in the Nigerian Civil Society Consultative Forum on the Summit of the Future, organized by the United Nations Information Centre, Abuja, Nigeria. The event occurred at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island, Lagos, on August 22, 2024. YEDIS Executive Director Dr.
YEDIS at the “Nigerian Civil Society Consultative Forum on the Summit of the Future” Read More »
On the 17th of August 2024, Dr Rafiu Olaore, the CEO of YEDIS, participated as a Distinguished Panel Speaker at the observance of International Youth Day 2024. The event was hosted by the Strong Enough Girls’ Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) in Abuja and The Tribe Africa. The 2024 International Youth Day theme is “From Clicks to
The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society – YEDIS and the Federal Polytechnic Ayede – FEDPA, Nigeria, established a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 30 July 2024 to enrich the Institution’s Entrepreneurship and Skills Development program for the collective benefit of the Institution, its personnel, and the student body. This partnership represents a notable
Chief Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Executive Director of YEDIS, was conferred with a Doctor of Business Administration (honoris causa) by Crown University International (CUI) in the USA on 27 July 2024. This esteemed recognition was bestowed upon him for his exceptional philanthropic initiative. The conferment occurred at the UNILAG (hybrid), Lagos, marking a significant milestone in
YEDIS (yedis.org) has collaborated with twenty-two (22) prominent international non-governmental organizations, including the Global Initiative for Economic, Social & Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR) and UNESCO, to compile a thorough and nuanced set of recommendations to bolster the revised draft of the United Nations Pact for the Future. They meticulously outlined the recommendations in a comprehensive briefing
Congratulations! We are excited to announce that YEDIS CEO Amb. Rafiu Olaore has been honored with the Certificate of Achievement in Intercultural Communication Skills and Professional Skills Badge by the British Council UK. More information is available Here
Certificate of Achievement in Intercultural Communication Skills Read More »
The Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore recommended promoting global peace and security through understanding intercultural communication skills at the British Council Intercultural Communication Skills Training Course held from 16 March to 4 May 2024. Rafiu Olaore suggested that understanding individuals’ cultures and ways of interaction would
Understanding Intercultural Communication Skills for Global Peace and Security. Read More »
Video Link The Founder of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) and a Chief Lecturer in the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Department of Osun State Polytechnic Iree, Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, emphasized the United Nations Environmental Program’s stance on climate change. He addressed procurement officers in Osun State, Nigeria, at the Chartered Institute
Improving Waste Management in Procurement Practices. Read More »
#2024UNCSC #SDG #WeCommit Video Link Introduction. The United Nations selected and approved the off-site workshop proposal submitted by the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) for 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi Kenya from 9 – 10 May 2024. YEDIS partnered with Truine Foundation to organize an off-site workshop titled, “Digitalization and Rural
#2024UNCSC #WeCommit #UN The Founder and Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) Rafiu Olaore suggested including Digital Technology and Rural Entrepreneurship education in the school curriculum to enhance quality education for advancing youth employment, peace, and prosperity. He emphasized the need for quality education for underserved youth to promote gainful
An Approved Off-site Workshop of the 2024 United Nations Civil Society Conference, 9 – 10 May 2024 at the UN Office in Nairobi, Kenya. #2024UNCSC #WECOMMIT The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), in partnership with the Triune Foundation, organizes the off-site workshop of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference to explore the challenges
Exciting News! The Founder of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Amb. Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore’s initiative earned global recognition, as the United Nations (UN) selected his proposal to host a Workshop Session of the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, from 9 to 10 May 2024. YEDIS CEO and Chief Lecturer at
The World Bank Group held a seminar titled “Strengthening Voices, Shaping Future: Insights from Nigeria’s Young Parliamentarians.” on 3 April 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria. YEDIS Executive Director Rafiu Olaore attended the event and commented as follows. Nigeria’s government regularly introduces youth development policies and invests heavily in entrepreneurship education and skills acquisition programs, but these
The World Bank Group Youth Inclusion Seminar Series. Read More »
Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), in partnership with Elites Club of Aagba, organized a one-day Entrepreneurship and Capacity-Building Workshop titled ‘Enhancing Entrepreneurial Skills of Young Artisans in the Aagba Community, Osun State, Nigeria, on 9 March 2024 from 9 am to 6 pm. Aagba is among marginalized communities in Osun State, with many
YEDIS Empowered Underserved Young Artisans with Grants and Entrepreneurial Skills. Read More »
Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS) became a Graduate of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) – TADAMON Crowdfunding Academy in Nigeria after four months of extensive training and successful examination between November 2023 and February 2024. YEDIS is a grassroots nonprofit youth-serving organization that promotes entrepreneurship education, youth
Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy in Nigeria Graduation Certificate. Read More »
Dear colleagues, Check out the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society’s (YEDIS) valuable insights on the United Nations’ “Zero Draft of the Pact for the Future” and YEDIS’s input listing on the United Nations Website. https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future/pact-for-the-future-zero-draft
Written Inputs on the Zero Draft of the Pact for the Future Read More »
Together for the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030. Diversify your career progression through extracurricular activities and United Nations Volunteering jobs to gain leadership, productive networking, and professional relevance. A little social effort makes a significant impact. Let us support the Government with our professional skills to solve local, national, and global
Together for the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals Read More »
Check out YEDIS Executive Director Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore’s Presentation on ‘Revolutionizing Polytechnic Education with Sustainable Development Goals in the Post-COVID Era. ‘ 31 Jan 2024. Link: Revolutionizing Polytechnic Education with Sustainable Development Goals Video recording
Revolutionizing Polytechnic Education with Sustainable Development Goals Read More »
Video Link YEDIS Executive Director Mr. Rafiu Olaore was honoured as a Panelist on 16th January 2024 at the United Nations informal consultations on the Intergovernmental process for the Declaration on Future Generations as part of the preparatory process of the Summit of the Future. The meeting was co-facilitated by His Excellency Mr. Brian Christopher
Interview Between Mr Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Executive Director at Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS), Nigeria and Mr Michael Herglotz, an Academic Researcher at Vienna University of Economics and Business, Europe. Date: 16 June 2023. Venue: Zoom (online) Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os8m7vtsm1M (Transcript edited) Download File PDF Michael Herglotz: Okay. I just started to record.
Video Link Location: Palm oil Producing center, Ila Road, Obaagun, Osun State, Nigeria. Date: 20 December 2023 Interviewer: Mrs Oluwakemi Oyeniyi, YEDIS Marketing Team Member. Respondents: Translator: Mr Abass Opeyemi, YEDIS Youth Coordinating Team Member. Question:- How many branches do you have here at Obaagun? 1st Respondent:- We have seven (7) units, namely Oseni, Demola,
Transcript of Feedback/Interview from YEDIS Agri-preneurs’ Beneficiaries Read More »
Video link YEDIS Executive Director Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore delivered the Keynote speech on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, at a workshop organized by Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) on November 11, 2023, at Government Technical College Lecture Hall, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The purpose was to educate
Keynote Speech on SDG 9 and 10 Read More »
YEDIS Executive Director, Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore’s statement at the United Nations Summit of the Future Virtual Consultations with Civil Society Organizations on 13 December 2023. Greetings! I am Rafiu Olaore, Executive Director at Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) in Nigeria. YEDIS is a youth-focused NGO that promotes entrepreneurship education, youth employment, gender equality
Statement at the United Nations Summit of the Future Virtual Consultations Read More »
YEDIS sensitized and advocated the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030 and mentored over 100 marginalized people with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education and corporate entrepreneurship development skills. The free Empowerment workshop, with light refreshments, occurred on November 11, 2023, at Government Technical College Lecture Hall, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) delegates participated in the World Bank Group – International Monetary Funds annual meeting and Civil Society Policy Forum held in Marrakech, Morocco, from 9 – 15 October 2023. The forum united the policymakers, government officials and civil society leaders to deliberate on strategic and innovative solutions to global
Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) empowered over 250 marginalized young people in Ilase Ijesa, Obokun local government, Osun State, Nigeria, on 23 September 2023. The workshop included business development training, digital marketing and networking strategies to advance their business. The objectives are to reduce poverty, promote gender equality and sustainable economic development. YEDIS
Empowerment Workshop at Ilase Ijesa, Osun State, Nigeria. Read More »
YEDIS partners with COPESA (Community Participation and Empowerment Scheme Augmentation) to advocate for Government support for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Osun State, Nigeria. The SDG 4 and 5 Localization campaign occurred on 4 September 2023 at the Osun State Government office, Abere, Osogbo, Nigeria.The campaign seeks the support of the Government, community leaders,
Advocacy for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Read More »
The interview between Mr Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), Nigeria and Mr Michael Herglotz, a researcher from Vienna University of Economics and Business, Europe. Watch the video here:https://youtu.be/os8m7vtsm1M?si=HE_jeQK6nb-mNwJE Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) is an NGO that promotes entrepreneurship education, gender equality, youth employment
The Impact of Digitalization on Rural Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa Read More »
