EU, CSO Unveil New Entrepreneurship Initiative to Empower Young People in North West

Linus Aleke in Abuja

A civil society organisation, Search for Common Ground (Search), with funding from the European Union (EU) and support from the federal government, has unveiled a groundbreaking youth entrepreneurship and peace-building initiative codenamed the Hustle Reality Show (Buge Buge).
Search explained that the programme is designed to empower young Nigerians in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states through innovation, collaboration and enterprise.

Speaking at the official unveiling in Abuja on Tuesday, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground Nigeria, Karno Ouattara, stated that the 24-month EU-funded project seeks to reinforce peace and social cohesion in the North West by supporting young people to build socially impactful businesses that provide alternatives to violence, strengthen economic resilience and promote inclusive development.

He revealed that Hustle will bring together young aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 from the three target states to engage in innovative, team-based business challenges.

Participants, he said, will receive training, mentorship and seed capital to launch or expand their enterprises, with a focus on businesses that create social impact and foster coexistence.

In his remarks, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said the unveiling of the initiative marks the beginning of an exciting journey that shifts young people away from the drivers of conflict and positions them as agents of change.

He said, “It reflects our shared commitment to expanding meaningful economic opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthening social cohesion, and fostering innovative pathways for youth engagement.”

Emphasising that youth empowerment lies at the heart of the EU’s priorities and partnership with Nigeria, Mignot added, “Through our Multiannual Indicative Programme for Nigeria (2021–2027), we prioritise innovation, job creation and skills development under Priority Area 1. The Hustle Reality Show aligns squarely with these objectives.

“In a country where the creativity, energy and resilience of young people are among the nation’s greatest assets, this programme offers a unique platform to nurture and showcase those talents.”

He stressed the reality-show format is a strategic tool to inspire entrepreneurship, provide hands-on training and amplify youth-led solutions to unemployment.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the Hustle Project presents a creative and compelling model for peace and social cohesion by leveraging media, community engagement and strategic dialogue to change narratives, amplify young voices and promote alternative pathways away from violence.

Recognising that sustainable peace cannot be imposed from above, the Minister stated that it must be built from the ground up – through inclusive participation, trust, communication and shared responsibility.

Represented by Ms. Amina Dauran, the Minister said, “This is why the Ministry continues to design, support and strengthen youth-focused initiatives that encourage civic engagement, positive leadership, skills development and national unity.”

Earlier, in his welcome address, the West Africa Regional Director of Search for Common Ground, Francis Sala, stressed that the initiative offers a platform where young aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds come together to strive, collaborate and co-create business solutions that address real challenges in their communities.