The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen partnership with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate empowerment of women and youths across Nigeria.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this statement when he received a UN delegation led by Assistant Secretary-General on Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.
Shettima said the partnership would focus on key initiatives including financial inclusion, skills development, peace and security, and job creation.
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration recognizes the potential of youth as drivers of change and growth.
“President Tinubu believes in gender equality and youth empowerment. Under his administration, the anticipated demographic bulge will be transformed into demographic dividends. On behalf of the President, I reaffirm this administration’s commitment to youth development. Youths are the backbone of every society’s transformation,” Shettima said.
He proposed creating institutional mechanisms in collaboration with the UN and other partners to advance Nigeria’s objectives for women and youth.
Earlier, Paullier said the UN delegation was in Nigeria to support the Federal Government’s development vision, complementing multi-level UN agency support across the country.
Describing Nigeria as a “very vibrant country” with youth at its core, Paullier added, “If relevant authorities continue to place Nigerian youths at the heart of critical decisions, development and innovation will be accelerated.”
He emphasized that advancing youth development requires gender equality and access to employment and education.
Paullier also recalled that in 2022, the UN General Assembly created a new office to oversee global youth support, including human rights protection, training, and skills development.
