YEIDEP Coordinator Kennedy Iyere Clears the Air Over Keystone Bank Visit

YEIDEP Coordinator Kennedy Iyere Clears the Air Over Keystone Bank Visit

Amid growing interest in the YEIDEP grant programme, a fast-spreading controversy has emerged involving the Coordinator-General, Mr. Kennedy Iyere, following his recent visit to a Keystone Bank branch in Abuja.

Several blogs and social media pages earlier reported that Mr. Iyere was involved in a harassment incident involving bank staff, sparking reactions online. However, the YEIDEP boss has now responded — and he is calling the reports completely false and misleading.

“There Was No Harassment or Scene”

Speaking with journalists on Monday, Mr. Iyere clarified that his visit to the bank was peaceful and professional. According to him, he went to open an account for the ongoing YEIDEP empowerment grant programme, which plans to disburse between ₦50,000 and ₦500,000 to young Nigerians in 2025.

“There was a small misunderstanding at the beginning, but everything was resolved quickly and respectfully. There was no drama, no harassment, no shouting — nothing like that,” Iyere stated.

He explained that he initially asked to see the branch manager, but another staff member attended to him first due to a mix-up. Shortly after, the manager stepped in, and the issue was resolved without incident.

Calling Out Fake News and Defending His Integrity

Mr. Iyere expressed concern over the speed at which false narratives spread online and called for more responsible journalism and fact-checking, especially when reputations and institutions are at stake.

“It’s unfair to twist a simple, peaceful visit into a negative story. My name and image matter, especially when I’m leading a national youth-focused programme,” he said.

He added that he plans to report the incident to the Minister of Communications, calling attention to the damaging impact of misinformation in the digital age.

Praise for Keystone Bank

Contrary to online claims, Mr. Iyere praised Keystone Bank, describing the institution as “efficient and professional.”

“They’ve been one of the most cooperative banks I’ve worked with so far. Their service delivery is top-class,” he said.

He also emphasized that he has had a long-standing relationship with the bank and continues to support their work.

A Bigger Picture: Youth Empowerment at the Core

The clarification comes just days after YEIDEP began its rollout of a major youth grant programme targeting thousands of young Nigerians across all 36 states.

The YEIDEP empowerment scheme, which has generated significant buzz in recent months, aims to support young people with non-repayable grants ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦500,000, helping them start or expand businesses and vocational activities.

Iyere stressed that misinformation should not distract from the programme’s core mission to empower and transform the lives of Nigerian youth