Nigeria, UN to deepen partnership on women, youth empowerment — Shettima
Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United Nations (UN) to boost empowerment opportunities for women and young people across the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the partnership would focus on key areas such as financial inclusion, skills development, job creation, and peace and security.
Shettima spoke on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received a delegation from the United Nations led by the Assistant Secretary-General on Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Paullier, on a courtesy visit.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu views young people as central to national development.
“The youth are the backbone of every society’s transformation,” Shettima said, adding that they should not be treated as “a mere statistical powerhouse.”
The Vice President also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment, noting that Nigeria’s large youth population could be turned into a demographic advantage if properly harnessed.
He further called for stronger institutional frameworks to advance youth and women-focused programmes in partnership with the United Nations and other development partners.
Earlier, Dr. Paullier said it was his first visit to Nigeria and expressed appreciation for the engagement.
