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 […]

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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