In many rural communities across Nigeria, the transformation from cassava to gari begins with the diligent efforts of women. Recently, during a visit to a modest gari processing facility in Osun State conducted by the YEDIS team led by Rafiu Olaore on 13 March 2026, it was observed that women and young girls labour tirelessly […]
From Cassava to Gari: The Untold Story of Rural Women Read More »
By Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore In today’s fast-changing digital world, having knowledge or academic qualifications alone is no longer enough. What truly distinguishes professionals today is their ability to demonstrate, communicate, and showcase their skills to the world. Many talented individuals remain unnoticed simply because they keep their ideas, experiences, and solutions to themselves. Yet the
Why Showcasing Your Professional Skills Matters in the Digital Age Read More »
Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) proudly celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 at a high-profile event organized by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Network Nigeria on March 3, 2026, at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group House in Ikoyi, Lagos. The gathering brought together distinguished leaders from government, business, civil society, and international organizations.
On February 19, 2026, Mr. Rafiu Olaore presided over a career development workshop organized by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN), Osun State chapter, in collaboration with the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS). The event took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Hall in Osogbo, Osun
AI, Digital Tech, & Tax Law: A Career Building Training for Osun Procurement Officers Read More »
The transcript of the “FAIR Cities: Inclusive AI – Expert Interview” with Mr Rafiu Olaore is now available. The interview was conducted on January 13, 2026, by Ms Catarina Fontes from the United Nations University (UNU) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Working Group. The discussion centred on Mr Olaore’s nongovernmental organisation, the Youths Enterprise
FAIR Cities: Inclusive AI – Expert Interview with Rafiu Olaore Read More »
The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) held a key ‘train the trainers’ workshop on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at its headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The event brought together YEDIS coordinators from 15 zones across Southwest Nigeria to develop skills in artificial intelligence (AI), digital technology, and leadership, to boost impactful community
The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), in collaboration with the Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YODEI) and the Absolute Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI), celebrated International Day of Education in Iragberi township, Egbedore Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria, on 24 January 2026. The event was notably inclusive, with participation from over 500 students from
YEDIS Celebrated the 2026 International Day of Education Read More »
A speech delivered by Rafiu Olaore, YEDIS Executive Director, as a guest speaker at the “Iwure Oba” festival in Itiya-Ijesa land, a town renowned for its agricultural pursuits within Obokun Local Government, Osun State, Nigeria, on 3 January 2026. His presentation is published at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/399434439_Emphasising_Agriculture_to_Boost_Rural_Entrepreneurship_Job_Creation_and_Fostering_Sustainable_Community_Development Furthermore, the presentation video can be accessed through the following
On 19 December 2025, an inspiring day unfolded for young artisans and individuals with disabilities across Osun State, Nigeria. The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), in partnership with the Absolute Women Empowerment Initiative (AWEI) in Abuja, hosted a year-end celebration for nearly one hundred underserved individuals. The event, held at the Royal Spring
2025 Year-End with Young Women Artisans and People with Disabilities. Read More »
On December 15, 2025, Mr Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, a grassroots civil society leader in Nigeria and Executive Director of Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), actively contributed to job creation policies during the “Meeting of National Experts to Score the Implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria,” held at Amber Residence, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Organised
Scoring the Implementation of SDGs in Nigeria – Rafiu Olaore Read More »
The management team of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) extends its congratulatory regards to Dr Rafiu Olaore (Hon..), the Executive Director of YEDIS, upon his receipt of the ‘Distinguished Alumnus Award’ from the Osun State Polytechnic Alumni Association, Nigeria, on November 21, 2025. The award was formally presented by the institution’s Rector,
OSPOLY Rector Praises YEDIS CEO for Social Impact Read More »
YEDIS commemorated UNICEF World Children’s Day 2025 by engaging with underprivileged children on Thursday, 20th November 2025, at Onaolapo Memorial High School, Ikirun, Osun State, Nigeria. During the event, YEDIS provided education to nearly 1,000 students (ages 10-15) from the school on initiatives related to climate change, AI ethics, peace, entrepreneurship, quality education, and social
YEDIS commemorated World Children’s Day 2025 Read More »
Attending the United Nations’ Second World Summit for Social Development at the National Convention Centre in Doha, Qatar, from 3 to 6 November 2025, was a notable experience. Chief Rafiu Olaore led six senior members of his nongovernmental organisation, Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), from Nigeria to engage, learn, network, and contribute to
YEDIS Joined Global Leaders to Endorse the UN Declaration in Qatar Read More »
In a dynamic and inspiring session during the World Bank Group and IMF Meetings and Civil Society Policy Forum, Chief Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, the visionary Founder and Executive Director of Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS), captivated a discerning audience that included key Nigerian government officials on October 17, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The
Exciting news! The full video of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) official session is now available on the World Bank website. The session, “Advancing Homegrown Economy through Sustainable Infrastructure and Skills Development in Africa”, was moderated by YEDIS Executive Director, Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, during the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Civil
YEDIS Session is now Accessible on the World Bank Website Read More »
On October 17, 2025, Chief Rafiu Olaore delivered an inspiring message about the future of job creation and economic empowerment at the recent World Bank Civil Society Policy Forum in Washington, DC. As a key representative for the African Western and Central Regions at the World Bank Group and IMF Civil Society Policy Forum and
Fostering Partnership to Unleash Action for Growth – Rafiu Olaore Read More »
On October 15, 2025, a momentous event unfolded in the World Bank Group headquarters in Washington, DC, as the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) proudly hosted the official session of the World Bank Group Civil Society Policy Forum. This exciting gathering brought together a diverse array of passionate leaders and visionaries dedicated to
YEDIS Hosted Official Session of The World Bank CSPF Read More »
On October 6, 2025, an energetic atmosphere prevailed at the Federal Polytechnic Ayede (FEDPA) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, as the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) Entrepreneurial Workshop commenced. The venue was filled with energy as over a thousand young students gathered, each demonstrating ambition. Eager to acquire new skills and share their inspiring stories,
YEDIS Empowered FEDPA Students to Unlock Decent Job Opportunities Read More »
On September 16, 2025, the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) conducted a workshop to enhance its Technical Team’s managerial capabilities. The session, “Optimising Business Performance: The Critical Role of Nutrition in an Entrepreneur’s Journey to Success,” focused on the intersection of health and entrepreneurship and took place at the YEDIS Headquarters in Osogbo,
YEDIS Workshop on the Nutrition Value in Entrepreneurial Success Read More »
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has officially selected a Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) member to participate in the World Food Forum’s Cohort 2. The YEDIS team congratulates Ms. Kabirah Olaore on her selection as a Youth Representative for this prestigious initiative. Her role will involve engaging global leaders
YEDIS Selected for World Food Forum Global Youth Action Read More »
On August 3, 2025, the management team of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) at its headquarters in Osogbo, Nigeria, received a training session focused on social action and leadership. Mr. Rafiu Olaore, the Executive Director of YEDIS, led the session. The training emphasised the importance of social services in community development and
Social Action and Leadership Development Training for YEDIS Management Team Read More »
A delegation of seven representatives from the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) participated in the 2025 Africa Social Impact Summit, organised by the Sterling One Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations in Nigeria, the Lagos State Government, and over sixty partner organisations. The summit with the theme, Scaling Action: Bold Solutions for
YEDIS Delegations at the 2025 Africa Social Impact Summit Read More »
On 14 May 2025, the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) hosted a capacity-building and empowerment program targeting nearly 100 vulnerable women who own small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Osun State, Nigeria. The training theme was “Environmental Sustainability: Enhancing Waste Management Practices to Promote Business Development.” The program was delivered in Yoruba, the
Waste Management: YEDIS Empowers Vulnerable Women Small Business Owners Read More »
Rafiu Olaore had the esteemed opportunity to participate as a panellist during the World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund 2025 Spring Meetings CSPF session, which took place in Washington, D.C., on April 23, 2025. His presentation focused on the theme “Localizing Impact: Enhancing Community-Led Initiatives in Nigeria,” situated within the broader discourse on how community-led approaches
Localizing Impact: Enhancing Community-Led Initiatives in Nigeria Read More »
A Speech Presented by Rafiu Akinpelu Olaore, Executive Director of Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society – YEDIS, Osogbo, Nigeria, at the International Cities of Peace (Oluyole, Nigeria), on 21 April 2025, during the observance of the United Nations World Creativity and Innovation Day. Esteemed Ladies and Gentlemen, I express my profound gratitude for the
World Creativity and Innovation Day 2025: Promoting Peace through Innovation Read More »
Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), 6 – 11 April 2025. SDG 8: Decent Job and Economic Growth High-Level Session, Chaired by Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Lumumba, Minister for General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda. Your Excellency and esteemed leaders of Africa, My name is Rafiu Olaore, and
Rafiu Olaore’s Presentation at the UN Conference in Kampala, Uganda on 10 April 2025 Read More »
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 – YEDIS 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
