The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the United Nations to accelerate the empowerment of women and youths across Nigeria, with a strong focus on financial inclusion, skills development, job creation, and security.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the UN led by its Assistant Secretary-General on Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes the critical role of young people in driving national growth and development, describing them as “the engine of change” that must not be reduced to mere statistics.
He stressed that the government would leverage strategic partnerships with the UN and other development partners to implement targeted initiatives that empower women and youths as key drivers of the nation’s future.
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “the youths are the backbone of every society’s transformation. On behalf of the President, I reaffirm this administration’s commitment to youth development”.
According to him, the Tinubu administration is determined to convert Nigeria’s growing youth population into a demographic advantage, noting that deliberate investments in human capital would transform the anticipated population surge into “demographic dividends.”
Shettima also reiterated President Tinubu’s belief in gender equality and inclusive development, emphasizing that women and youths remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
He proposed the establishment of institutional frameworks that would strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and the United Nations in advancing programmes for youth and women empowerment.
Earlier, Paullier expressed appreciation for the engagement, describing Nigeria as a vibrant nation where young people play a central role in shaping society.
He noted that his visit—his first to Nigeria—was significant given the country’s global influence and leadership in youth development initiatives.
The UN official recalled that the UN General Assembly established a dedicated office in 2022 to coordinate global support for young people in areas such as human rights protection, education, and skills development.
Paullier said the UN delegation was in Nigeria to support the Federal Government’s development vision and to strengthen ongoing multi-level interventions by UN agencies in the country.
He commended Nigeria’s efforts, stating that placing young people at the centre of policy decisions would accelerate innovation and sustainable development.
“Advancing youth development requires gender equality, as well as access to employment and education,” he added.
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