The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has issued a rallying call for Nigerian youth to take the driver’s seat in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the world races toward the 2030 deadline. Speaking at a Youth Dialogue with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, in commemoration of International Youth Day 2025 at the UN House, Abuja, Olawande celebrated the creativity, innovation, and resilience of young Nigerians already localizing the SDGs in their communities.

Director Omolara Esan said in a statement that the Minister stressed that it was time to move from token participation to genuine youth leadership, in line with the Pact for the Future. “Today’s dialogue is not just about speeches; it’s about listening,” Olawande said. “The Ministry of Youth Development is here to hear directly from you, and I assure you, your voices will be reflected in our policies and programmes.”

Olawande highlighted inspiring examples of youth-led change, from grassroots climate action to tech-driven solutions in education and healthcare. He also commended global role models like UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and UN Global Ambassador for Peace Maryam Bukar, whose work demonstrates how Nigerians can influence international frameworks. Olawande reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth innovation, partnerships, and enterprise, noting that the SDGs are “real commitments to people and communities, not just targets on paper.”

During the Q&A session, Olawande emphasized that youth perspectives are already shaping government policy, and that sustained engagement between young people, government, and development partners will deliver more inclusive and impactful outcomes. “The time for youth action on SDGs, and beyond, is now. Nigeria’s youth will lead the way,” he declared.