Add us on Google
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to deepen collaboration with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the empowerment of women and youths across Nigeria.
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving a UN delegation led by the Assistant Secretary-General on Youth Affairs, Dr Felipe Paullier, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima said the partnership would be driven through targeted initiatives focused on financial inclusion, skills development, job creation, as well as peace and security.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the critical role of young people in national development, describing them as a vital force that must not be reduced to mere statistics.
He stressed that youths remain central to the country’s growth trajectory, noting that the government is committed to harnessing their potential for sustainable development.
“The youths are the backbone of every society’s transformation. They are the engine of change and growth who cannot be treated as a mere statistical powerhouse,” the Vice President stated.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, Shettima said the current administration would strengthen institutional frameworks in collaboration with the UN and other development partners to advance programmes that directly impact women and young people.
He added that President Tinubu’s administration places a high premium on gender equality and youth empowerment, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s growing population of young people would be transformed into a demographic advantage.
“They are the pillar of the moment upon whom the future of the nation rests. The anticipated demographic bulge will be transformed into demographic dividends,” he said.
The Vice President further proposed the establishment of structured institutional mechanisms to support the implementation of youth and women-focused policies nationwide.
Earlier, Paullier expressed appreciation for the engagement, describing Nigeria as a vibrant nation with a youthful population that plays a pivotal role in its socio-economic development.
He noted that his visit marked his first official trip to Nigeria since assuming office, emphasising the country’s strategic importance in advancing global youth development efforts.
Paullier recalled that the UN General Assembly established a dedicated office in 2022 to coordinate global youth-focused initiatives, including human rights protection, education, and skills development.
He said the UN delegation’s visit was aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s development agenda, while strengthening ongoing collaborations with UN agencies operating in Nigeria.
The UN official added that Nigeria remains on a positive development path, stressing that prioritising youth inclusion in governance and policy decisions would accelerate innovation and national progress.
He also underscored the importance of gender equality, access to quality education, and employment opportunities as critical drivers of sustainable youth development.
