FG calls on Nigerian Youths to take driver’s seat on SDGs

By Adetayo Omotoyosi Adeolu

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has urged Nigerian youth to take the driver’s seat in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the world races toward the 2030 deadline.

The Minister, while speaking at a youth dialogue with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, in commemoration of International Youth Day 2025 at the UN House, Abuja, celebrated the creativity, innovation, and resilience of young Nigerians already localising the SDGs in their communities.

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Speaking on the theme, “Youth Action on SDGs and Beyond”, the Minister said that it was time to move 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.”

The Minister cited inspiring examples of youth-led change, from grassroots climate action to tech-driven solutions in education and healthcare. He also commended global role models like UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and UN Global Ambassador for Peace Maryam Bukar, whose work demonstrates how Nigerians can influence international frameworks.

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Olawande reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth innovation, partnerships, and enterprise, noting 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 added.

In his speech, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to partnering with Nigeria’s youth, describing them as “the future happening now.”

Speaking under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, he praised the Minister for championing youth empowerment and celebrated the achievements of young Nigerians making global impact, including Maryam Hassan’s recent appointment as a UN Global Peace Advocate.

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Mr. Fall stated that Nigeria’s youthful population puts the country at a strategic advantage, noting that the youths are important in advancing peace, development, climate solutions 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.”