… “Youth voices already shaping government policy” – Comrade Olawande
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has called on Nigerian youth to take the lead in driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the world approaches the 2030 deadline.
Speaking at a Youth Dialogue with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, to mark International Youth Day 2025 at the UN House, Abuja, Olawande praised the creativity, innovation, and resilience of young Nigerians already localising the SDGs in their communities.
With this year’s theme — “Youth Action on SDGs and Beyond” — the Minister urged a shift 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.”
He cited inspiring examples of youth-led change, from grassroots climate action to tech-driven innovations in education and healthcare, and applauded global role models like UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and UN Global Ambassador for Peace Maryam Bukar for showing how Nigerians can shape international agendas.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to youth innovation, partnerships, and enterprise, Olawande stressed that 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, the Minister emphasised that youth perspectives are already influencing government policy and that continued engagement between young people, government, and development partners is vital for inclusive, impactful outcomes.
In his remarks, Mr. Malick Fall reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working with Nigeria’s youth, describing them as “the future happening now.” He commended the Minister’s dedication to youth empowerment and celebrated young Nigerians making global impact, including Maryam Hassan’s recent appointment as a UN Global Peace Advocate.
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population as a strategic advantage, Fall noted that young people are central to advancing peace, development, climate action, and justice.
“Youth are not just beneficiaries — youth are partners, youth are leaders,” he said, urging them to “Speak up, show up, and lead on… the world is watching Nigeria’s next generation.”
ADEOLA KUNLE
