The Nigerian Minister of Youth Development, 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, Mohamed Fall, in commemoration of the International Youth Day 2025, at the UN House, Abuja, Olawande said the creativity, innovation, and resilience of young Nigerians already localising the SDGs in their communities is worth celebrating.
The Minister 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 Mohammed and UN Global Ambassador for Peace, Maryam Bukar, whose work demonstrates how Nigerians can influence international frameworks.
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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.”
For his part, Mohamed Fall reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to partnering with Nigeria’s youth, describing them as “the future happening now.”
Fall highlighted the country’s youthful population as a strategic advantage, noting that sustained collaboration between young people, government, and development partners could deliver more inclusive and impactful outcomes.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
