Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that the first batch of beneficiaries under the Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program–Sustainable Access to Economic Relief (YEAP-SAfER) will begin receiving funds on Monday, 23 March 2026, describing the initiative as a defining moment in the administration’s broader strategy to build a sustainable economic system.

In his newsletter to the people of the state, Governor Makinde emphasized that the program represents a departure from isolated interventions, focusing instead on creating a scalable framework for long-term prosperity.

“For us in Oyo State, this is not just another intervention. It is a continuation of a system we are building, one that is designed to deliver sustainable economic outcomes, not temporary relief,” the Governor stated. “Real development does not come from isolated efforts; it comes from systems that are consistent, intentional, and capable of reproducing results at scale.”

The Governor outlined three fundamental pillars necessary for economic prosperity: supporting entrepreneurs as the engine of growth, prioritizing education to foster logical decision-making and value creation, and boosting productivity to bridge the gap between potential and prosperity.

He noted that the YEAP-SAfER initiative is designed to tackle one of the primary barriers faced by young entrepreneurs—access to finance—while laying the groundwork for inclusive growth. The program is being executed in partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Mastercard Foundation to ensure scalability.

Makinde also addressed the broader national economic context, pointing out the disconnect that often exists between positive economic indices and the daily realities faced by citizens. He argued that bridging this gap requires systems that translate macroeconomic growth into tangible, felt impact.

“By identifying, verifying, and supporting hundreds of young people, and by working with partners… we are not only addressing immediate needs, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic participation,” he said.

As the disbursement commences, the Governor reiterated that the focus remains on building a pipeline of productive citizens and strengthening the link between opportunity and capacity, demonstrating that development can be both inclusive and sustainable when supported by the right structure.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced that the first batch of beneficiaries under the Youth Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program–Sustainable Access to Economic Relief (YEAP-SAfER) will begin receiving funds on Monday, 23 March 2026, describing the initiative as a defining moment in the administration’s broader strategy to build a sustainable economic system.

In his newsletter to the people of the state, Governor Makinde emphasized that the program represents a departure from isolated interventions, focusing instead on creating a scalable framework for long-term prosperity.

“For us in Oyo State, this is not just another intervention. It is a continuation of a system we are building, one that is designed to deliver sustainable economic outcomes, not temporary relief,” the Governor stated. “Real development does not come from isolated efforts; it comes from systems that are consistent, intentional, and capable of reproducing results at scale.”

The Governor outlined three fundamental pillars necessary for economic prosperity: supporting entrepreneurs as the engine of growth, prioritizing education to foster logical decision-making and value creation, and boosting productivity to bridge the gap between potential and prosperity.

He noted that the YEAP-SAfER initiative is designed to tackle one of the primary barriers faced by young entrepreneurs—access to finance—while laying the groundwork for inclusive growth. The program is being executed in partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Mastercard Foundation to ensure scalability.

Makinde also addressed the broader national economic context, pointing out the disconnect that often exists between positive economic indices and the daily realities faced by citizens. He argued that bridging this gap requires systems that translate macroeconomic growth into tangible, felt impact.

“By identifying, verifying, and supporting hundreds of young people, and by working with partners… we are not only addressing immediate needs, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic participation,” he said.

As the disbursement commences, the Governor reiterated that the focus remains on building a pipeline of productive citizens and strengthening the link between opportunity and capacity, demonstrating that development can be both inclusive and sustainable when supported by the right structure.