ABUJA, NIGERIA —In a powerful address at the United Nations House in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, delivered a rallying call to the nation’s youth, urging them to take a leading role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the 2030 deadline. The dialogue, held to commemorate International Youth Day 2025, served as a platform for the Minister to celebrate the efforts of young Nigerians already making a tangible impact in their communities.
Minister Olawande, speaking under the theme “Youth Action on SDGs and Beyond,” emphasized a shift from “token participation to genuine youth leadership,” in line with the global “Pact for the Future.” He praised the creativity and resilience of young people who are pioneering solutions in fields ranging from grassroots climate action to technology-driven advancements in education and healthcare.
“Today’s dialogue is not just about speeches; it’s about listening,” Olawande stated, assuring the audience that their feedback would directly influence government policies and programs. He highlighted that youth perspectives are already actively shaping government decisions, underscoring the importance of sustained engagement between young people, the government, and development partners for more inclusive and impactful outcomes.
The Minister also celebrated global Nigerian role models, such as UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and UN Global Ambassador for Peace Maryam Bukar, as examples of how young Nigerians can influence international frameworks.
In his own remarks, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria’s youth, whom he described as “the future happening now.” Mr. Fall applauded the Minister for his dedication to youth empowerment and highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population as a significant advantage. He urged young people to “speak up, show up, and lead on,” emphasizing their vital role in advancing peace, development, climate solutions, and justice on a global scale.
Both leaders’ messages underscored a unified vision: that Nigeria’s youth are not just beneficiaries but essential partners and leaders in the quest for a sustainable and prosperous future. The event concluded with a strong sense of purpose, with Minister Olawande declaring, “The time for youth action on SDGs, and beyond, is now. Nigeria’s youth will lead the way.”
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