UNICEF opens GenU9ja secretariat to empower young Nigerians

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has inaugurated the Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU9ja) National Secretariat at the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, in Abuja as part of efforts to expand opportunities for young people across the country.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by UNICEF Communication Officer in Lagos, Blessing Ejiofor, noting that the secretariat was inaugurated on March 31 and will serve as a high-level coordination and systems integration hub.

“Co-led by the Office of the Vice President and UNICEF, the secretariat will bring together key ministries, the private sector, development partners, and young people to strengthen policies and investments in youth development,” the statement read.

According to UNICEF, Generation Unlimited Nigeria is a Public-Private-Youth Partnership initiative aimed at connecting 20 million Nigerian youths to education, skills, and livelihood opportunities by 2030.

The organisation described the inauguration as a significant milestone, adding that locating the secretariat within the Office of the Vice President signals strong government ownership and commitment to youth development.

Describing the move as a milestone, UNICEF said the initiative is one of the most ambitious efforts to link young people to learning, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities.

The organisation further stated that since its launch in 2021, the programme has reached over 11 million young Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, providing access to digital skills, employment pathways, and civic engagement opportunities, with a focus on young women and vulnerable groups.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership, noting that it will continue to provide technical support in designing and scaling learning-to-earning pathways across education, employability, and entrepreneurship.