Media, International Recognition and Publication - Youths Enterprise Development & Innovation Society (YEDIS)

The Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) has received national and international recognition for its work in entrepreneurship development, digital inclusion, artificial intelligence (AI), women’s economic empowerment, climate action, and sustainable development. This page showcases our media coverage, publications, global engagements, and recognitions.

SECTION 1: GLOBAL RECOGNITION & PARTNERSHIPS

World Bank Group & IMF Endorsements

World Bank Group & IMF Civil Society Policy Forum Working Group (2024–2026) Elected Representative for the Africa Western and Central Regions. URL: https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/partners/civil-society/working-group-elections

World Bank Group Official Feature (2026) Officially recognized and featured by the World Bank Group as a Job Creation Partner. URL: https://live.worldbank.org/en/series/2025/annual-meetings/partners

International Development Association (IDA) Feature (2026) Featured as a Youth Job Creation Champion by the IDA of the World Bank Group. URL: https://x.com/i/status/2044548831094747388

World Bank Africa Feature (2026) Recognized as a Youth Job Creation Champion by World Bank Africa. URL: https://x.com/i/status/2045399463351447912

International Finance Corporation Feature (2025) Highlighted as a Job Creation Partner by the IFC. URL: https://x.com/i/status/1977796393151410177

World Bank Group – IDA Grassroots Feature (2026) Special feature highlighting youth employment and grassroots innovation. URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18iT2rfKyu/

United Nations Global Footprint

United Nations South-South Galaxy Feature (2026) YEDIS’s Initiative on AI and Digital Empowerment for Rural Women in Nigeria featured as a Scalable Solution. URL: https://southsouth-galaxy.org/solutions/detail/empowering-rural-women-and-girls-with-digital-skills-ai-knowledge-and-sustainable-agro-food-enterprise-opportunities/#

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2025) Recipient of the UNCTAD Community Builder Award for outstanding performance in the “Use of Blockchain in Trade Facilitation” course. URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/cXC_dS8bWgQ?si=HU8QjdjtR72dGDNt

United Nations Zero Draft for the Pact of the Future (2024) Selected contributor providing institutional youth development inputs. URL: https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/sof-youths-enterprise-dev-innovation-input-zero-draft-pact-for-future.pdf

United Nations Global Compact (2020–2023) Annual Reports published officially under the UN Global Compact framework. URL: https://unglobalcompact.org/participation/report/cop/detail/479970

British Council & European Institutional Praise

British Council Study UK Social Action Award (2025) Honored as a Finalist for the prestigious Social Action Award in Nigeria. URL 1: https://ng.live.solas.britishcouncil.digital/meet-alumni-awards-24-25-finalists?page=1 URL 2: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18bDwv6tob/
University of Essex Institutional Feature (2025) Featured by the University of Essex (UK) for transformative youth empowerment initiatives in Nigeria. URL: https://www.essex.ac.uk/news/2025/02/13/study-uk-awards-finalist-recognised-for-transforming-youth-empowerment-in-nigeria
British Council Grassroots Feature Story (2025) A media-rich story focusing on YEDIS’s impact on grassroots youth empowerment. URL: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GkHoVVhVA/
UNDP Tadamon Crowdfunding Academy (2023) Selected NGO for capacity building training in Nigeria to support palm oil-producing marginalized women and girls. URL: https://tadamon.community/campaigns/support-palm-oil-producing-marginalised-women-and-girls-in-nigeria

SECTION 2: RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS, POLICY & KEYNOTES

Research Papers (ResearchGate)

Examining How Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture Create Jobs in Developing Countries (2026) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/404946467_Examining_How_Artificial_Intelligence_and_Digital_Agriculture_Create_Jobs_in_Developing_Countries

Advancing the Homegrown Economy through Sustainable Infrastructure and Skills Development in Africa (2025) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397546903_Advancing_the_Homegrown_Economy_through_Sustainable_Infrastructure_and_Skills_Development_in_Africa

Localizing Impact: Strengthening Community-led Initiatives in Nigeria (2025) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391107552_Localizing_Impact_Strengthening_Community-led_Initiatives_in_Nigeria

World Creativity and Innovation Day 2025: Promoting Peace through Innovation (2025) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391106789_World_Creativity_and_Innovation_Day_2025_Promoting_Peace_through_Innovation

Successful Youth Employment Policies in Africa (2022) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366530939_SUCCESSFUL_YOUTH_EMPLOYMENT_POLICIES_IN_AFRICA URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377114617_Rural_Entrepreneurship_Initiatives_and_the_Influence_of_Digitalization_on_the_Sub-Sahara_Rural_Region_Population_Prosperity?channel=doi&linkId=65962d1e6f6e450f19c8aa8a&showFulltext=true

Localizing Impact: Strengthening Community-led Initiatives in Nigeria (2025) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391107552_Localizing_Impact_Strengthening_Community-led_Initiatives_in_Nigeria

Rural Entrepreneurship Initiatives and the Influence of Digitalization on Sub-Sahara Rural Region Population Prosperity (2024) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377114617_Rural_Entrepreneurship_Initiatives_and_the_Influence_of_Digitalization_on_the_Sub-Sahara_Rural_Region_Population_Prosperity?channel=doi&linkId=65962d1e6f6e450f19c8aa8a&showFulltext=true

Revolutionizing Polytechnic Education with Sustainability and Sustainable Community Projects: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Ayede (2024) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377844602_Revolutionizing_Polytechnic_Education_with_Sustainability_and_Sustainable_Community_Projects_A_Case_Study_of_Federal_Polytechnic_Ayede_Oyo_State_Revolutionizing_Polytechnic_Education_with_Sustainable_Successful

Youth Employment Policies in Africa (2022) URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366530939_SUCCESSFUL_YOUTH_EMPLOYMENT_POLICIES_IN_AFRICA

Keynote Policy Presentations & Insights

UNECA 2025 Africa Forum (Kampala, Uganda) Official presentation delivered by YEDIS Founder Rafiu Olaore on continental economic advancement. URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391101430_Presentation_by_Rafiu_Olaore_at_the_UNECA_2025_Africa_Forum_in_Kampala_Uganda–1

2nd United Nations Virtual Worlds Day Takeaways (2025) Published reflections and strategic policy insights from the international summit. URL: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/2nd-un-virtual-worlds-day-takeaways-by-rafiu-olaore/281244348

YEDIS Empowering Women in Agro-Food Gari Processing Policy blueprint focusing on advancing women’s economic inclusion and rural agribusiness in Southwest Nigeria (2026). URL: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/yedis-empowers-women-in-agro-food-gari-processing-advancing-women-s-economic-inclusion-environmental-sustainability-and-rural-agribusiness-development-in-southwest-nigeria-pdf/287762687

Strengthening Digital Literacy Skills for Marginalized Women and Girls Strategic framework focusing on scaling digital capacities in the agribusiness sector. URL: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/strengthening-digital-literacy-skills-for-marginalized-women-and-girls-in-the-agribusiness-sectorpptx/265464474

Thought Leadership Article: Skills Presentation Why Showcasing Your Professional Skills Matters in the Digital Era (2026). URL: https://yedis.org/why-showcasing-your-professional-skills-matters/

SECTION 3: EXPERT SPEAKER SESSIONS & DISCUSSIONS

International Dialogues & Global Forums

World Bank Group 2026 Spring Meetings (Washington D.C.) Host and Keynote Speaker at the Civil Society Policy Forum official session on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture for Job Creation. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKgb-iaXlBc&t=41s

International Development Association Policy Dialogues (Washington D.C., 2026) Accredited Speaker addressing regional economic development strategies. URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NHPHWho_IuY2025

Accelerating Africa’s Growth Conference, 2025 (Accra, Ghana) Delivered the Keynote Address focusing on structural African skills development. URL 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npb_yV4OcTk URL 2: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:b85907d5-72ea-491a-a9b3-29855791cc1e

2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day (United Nations Campus, Turin, Italy – 2025) Led a high-impact workshop track focusing on Digital Entrepreneurship. URL: https://x.com/AkinOlaore/status/1933532392599277946?t=IhhUvku2tyln4meAiQR_bw&s=08

United Nations Informal Consultations (2024) Accredited Speaker representing grassroots perspectives for the Declaration on Future Generations. URL: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S41u5_LJBnY&pp=iggCQAE%3D

World Trade Organization Public Forum (Geneva, Switzerland – 2024) Engagement with WTO representative Grace Hu to showcase YEDIS grassroots community development initiatives. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMLV_gv2iUI&t=67s

Expert Interviews & Institutional Workshops/Partnership

Caledonia University Expert Interview (2026) Deep insights shared on Grassroots Social Enterprise and Youth Development in Nigeria with Doctoral Researcher Nwosu Chinwe. URL: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/interview-insights-on-grassroots-social-enterprise-and-youth-development-in-nigeria/287563888

Vienna University of Economics and Business Expert Interview , (2024) Academic study interview on Rural Entrepreneurship and Digitalisation in Sub-Saharan Africa conducted by researcher Michael Herglotz. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os8m7vtsm1M&t=112s

Workshop Host and Facilitator (2024) One Young World Summit in Montreal, Canada, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd1hyRsA2lw

Workshop Host and Facilitator (2024) United Nations Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Qu5dEvOvI

Federal Polytechnic Ayede Partnership & Capacity Building 2-year institutional Memorandum of Understanding signed to foster innovation (2024–2026). URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7MtqZDYApc

Workshop steering on Entrepreneurship education and skills development for students (2025). URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Iaet0YzcTIs

SECTION 4: MEDIA COVERAGE & REGIONAL PRESS

National Newspaper Features

The Guardian Nigeria NGO Empowers Rural Women with Artificial Intelligence Training. URL: https://guardian.ng/features/gender-politics/ngo-empowers-rural-women-with-artificial-intelligence-training/
ThisDay Newspaper AI, Digital Technology, Tools to Drive Nation’s Education, Economic Devt, Says YEDIS Founder. URL: https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/07/06/a1-digital-technology-tools-to-drive-nations-education-economic-devt-says-yedis-founder/
Vanguard Newspaper Group holds capacity building for women palm oil producers in Osun. URL: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/06/group-holds-capacity-building-for-women-palm-oil-producers-in-osun/
New Telegraph Newspaper YEDIS trains 40 women, girls palm oil processors in Osun. URL: https://newtelegraphng.com/yedis-trains-40-women-girls-palm-oil-processors-in-osun/
CityMirror News YEDIS Launches Second Batch Of Women, Girls In Agriculture Empowerment Programme In Osun. URL: https://citymirrornews.com/news/2026/12/yedis-launches-second-batch-of-women-girls-in-agriculture-empowerment-programme-in-osun/
The Nation Newspaper Group trains 300 women in palm oil production. URL: https://thenationonlineng.net/group-trains-300-women-in-palm-oil-production/
ThisDay Newspaper (International Partnership) SEMAFORM Foundation Partners to Host Session at World Bank-IMF Meetings. URL: https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/10/12/semaform-foundation-partners-to-host-session-at-world-bank-imf-meetings/
Zawya (Regional Economic Publication) Group calls for investment in key sectors to drive Nigeria’s economic growth. URL: https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/africa/group-calls-for-investment-in-key-sectors-to-drive-nigerias-economic-growth-cx2qc4qc

Nigerian Tribune Features & Social Advocacy

Artisan Economic Empowerment: YEDIS empowers artisans with resources worth ₦2.1M in Osun State. URL: https://tribuneonlineng.com/yedis-empowers-artisans-with-resources-worth-n2-1m-in-osun/
Economic Advocacy: Group calls for investment in key sectors to drive Nigeria’s economic growth. URL: https://tribuneonlineng.com/group-calls-for-investment-in-key-sectors-to-drive-nigerias-economic-growth/
International Literacy Day: YEDIS distributes writing materials to schools in Osun, charges students to shun thuggery. URL: https://tribuneonlineng.com/2021-international-literacy-day-yedis-distributes-writing-materials-to-schools-in-osun-charges-students-to-shun-thuggery/amp/
Hairdressers Capacity Building: Group empowers 200 hairdressers in Osun State. URL: https://tribuneonlineng.com/group-empowers-200-hairdressers-in-osun/amp/

Broadcasting & Other Regional Outlets

New Telegraph Newspaper: Media coverage on support for marginalized communities and advanced, eco-friendly water/agricultural practices. URL: https://newtelegraphng.com/group-calls-for-support-on-marginalised-communities-seeks-improved-water-agricultural-practices/
CityMirror News: Over 300 women trained in palm oil production alongside equipment donation (seedlings, drums, toolkits). URL: https://citymirrornews.com/news/2023/26/osun-yedis-trains-over-300-women-in-palm-oil-palm-kernel-seeds-production-donates-support-items/
Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC): Digital fashion designing empowerment training tracking 150 girls. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y1FZPy1n5I
Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC): Institutional deployment and donation of 1,000 reference books to underprivileged students. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzNCFPibCuk
Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) 2023, featuring empowerment of 300 women smallholders farmers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Aodp5C6t0

SECTION 5: INSTITUTIONAL TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

Beneficiary & Community Impact Feedback

Public Procurement Officers Capacity Building (2026): Seminar feedback on AI, Digital Tech, and Tax Law in Osun State. URL: https://x.com/i/status/2025780514599194869
International Day of Education Support (2026): Commendation from a school teacher in Egbedore Local Government, Osun. URL: https://x.com/i/status/2015438132087279993
Royal Endorsement (2026): Royal testimonial from the King of Itiya Ijesa commending structural advancements. URL: https://x.com/i/status/2008591943681642970
Osun State People with Disabilities (2025): Official institutional feedback from the Joint Association’s Publicity Secretary. URL 1: https://youtube.com/shorts/XAU0ffqmNTg?si=iJOMdmM74_9SHXZm URL 2: https://x.com/i/status/2005123857351578025
YEDIS Regional Expansion (2025): Impact report and testimonial video from the YEDIS Coordinator in Ghana. URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/fra13U-W1kk?si=iSUEQcyZQzZASn4W
Agricultural Waste Management Workshop (2025): Impact testimonials from agricultural value chain traders. URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ait3csrIF_A
Smallholders Agricultural Value Chain Traders (2025): Direct evaluation video from women agribusiness operators. URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/Ait3csrIF_A?si=F6qBRMBy8J4q-EWI
Osogbo School Leavers Workshop (2024): Feedback from entrepreneurship, digital tech, and health management workshop trainees. URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/STcp0qVP7_c?si=NUR6KQ3DBkBdj_vb
Obaagun Women Palm Oil Production Leaders (2023): Review video from the association’s women leader. URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/WntpimQvTP4?si=T3B_W-JtKSlo3Xk0
Obaagun Palm Oil Production Youth Leader (2023): Assessment from community youth leadership. URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/8Y1V7c1tBEc?si=BLg3sQ2ezM-tuiRY
Nawar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ikirun (2021): Testimonial from the PTA Chairman tracking basic education provisions. URL: https://youtu.be/mjBAIXssbIE?si=azR64izJJf5qETbh