Nigeria, UN Forge Stronger Alliance on Youth, Women Empowerment – Kashim Shettima

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the United Nations (UN) to advance empowerment initiatives for women and youths across Nigeria.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during a meeting with a UN delegation led by Felipe Paullier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to the Vice President, the partnership will focus on key areas such as financial inclusion, skills development, job creation, and peace and security, in line with the administration’s broader development agenda.

Shettima said the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the critical role of young people in national development, describing them as “the engine of change and growth.”

“The youths are the backbone of every society’s transformation. This administration is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s growing youth population becomes a source of strength and prosperity,” he said.

He further emphasised the administration’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment, noting that efforts are underway to convert Nigeria’s demographic growth into tangible economic gains.

The Vice President also proposed the establishment of institutional frameworks to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria, the UN, and other development partners in advancing youth and women-focused programmes.

Earlier, Paullier described Nigeria as a vibrant nation with immense youth potential, noting that young people are central to the country’s dynamism.

He revealed 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.

Paullier said his visit to Nigeria underscores the country’s strategic importance in global youth development efforts, adding that the UN delegation is in the country to support the Federal Government’s development priorities.

He stressed that sustained progress would depend on placing young people at the centre of policymaking, alongside ensuring gender equality and expanding access to education and employment opportunities.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the United Nations in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.