In commemoration of International Youth Day 2025, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has issued a clarion call for Nigerian youth to step up as leaders in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the 2030 deadline.
At the Youth Dialogue with the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, hosted at the UN House in Abuja, the Minister celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of young Nigerians already working to localise the SDGs across their communities.
With this year’s theme, “Youth Action on SDGs and Beyond”, Olawande urged Nigerian youth to move beyond symbolic participation and embrace genuine leadership, aligning with the Pact for the Future.
“Today’s dialogue is not just about speeches; it’s about listening. 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 affirmed.
Celebrating Youth-Led Impact
The Minister spotlighted powerful examples of Nigerian youth driving change—from grassroots climate action, to tech-driven solutions in education and healthcare. He noted that these efforts embody the spirit of SDG localisation and show how young people are already shaping solutions to national and global challenges.
He also highlighted the trailblazing work of global role models such as UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed and UN Global Ambassador for Peace Maryam Bukar, whose influence reflects the global impact Nigerians can make when given opportunities to lead.
Government Commitment to Youth Innovation
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s stance, Olawande pledged support for an enabling environment where youth innovation, enterprise, and partnerships can thrive. He emphasised that the SDGs are not mere statistics or targets on paper, but real commitments to people and communities.
“The time for youth action on SDGs, and beyond, is now. Nigeria’s youth will lead the way,” he declared.
Youth Voices Driving Policy
The interactive dialogue featured a robust Q&A session, where the Minister reiterated that youth perspectives are already shaping government policy. He encouraged sustained collaboration between young people, government institutions, and development partners to deliver more inclusive, scalable, and impactful results.
As the world approaches 2030, the Minister’s message was clear: Nigerian youth are not just participants in the SDGs—they are the driving force that will make them a reality.