The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has issued a clarion call for Nigerian youth to take the lead in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the world approaches the 2030 deadline.
Speaking during a Youth Dialogue with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall, to mark International Youth Day 2025 at the UN House, Abuja, Olawande praised the creativity, innovation, and resilience of young Nigerians who are already advancing the SDGs at community level.
With this year’s theme, “Youth Action on SDGs and Beyond,” the Minister stressed that it is time to shift from token representation to genuine youth leadership, in line with the Pact for the Future.
“Today’s dialogue is not just about speeches; it’s about listening. The Ministry of Youth Development is here to hear directly from you — and your voices will be reflected in our policies and programmes,” Olawande assured.
He spotlighted inspiring examples of youth-led initiatives, ranging from grassroots climate action to tech innovations transforming education and healthcare.
He also applauded Nigerian global icons like UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and UN Global Peace Ambassador Maryam Bukar, whose work showcases the power of Nigerian leadership on the world stage.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth innovation, enterprise, and partnerships, the Minister said the SDGs are “real commitments to people and communities, not just targets on paper.”
“The time for youth action on SDGs — and beyond — is now. Nigeria’s youth will lead the way,” he declared.
During a Q&A session, Olawande emphasized that youth perspectives are already shaping government policy, adding that sustained collaboration between young people, the government, and development partners will yield more inclusive and impactful results.
In his remarks, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to partnering with Nigeria’s youth, describing them as “the future happening now.”
Speaking on the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” Fall commended the Minister for championing youth empowerment and celebrated young Nigerians making global impact, including Maryam Hassan’s recent appointment as a UN Global Peace Advocate.
Highlighting Nigeria’s large youth population as a strategic advantage, Fall underscored the central role of young people in advancing peace, development, climate solutions, and justice.
“Youth are not just beneficiaries — youth are partners. Youth are leaders,” he said.
