The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the empowerment of women and youths across the country.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this when he received a delegation from the UN, led by its Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday.

Mr Shettima explained that the partnership would be actualised through key initiatives under financial inclusion, skills development, peace and security and job creation, among others.

He said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration acknowledges the potential of the youth as the engine of change and growth.

“President Tinubu believes in gender equality and youth empowerment. Under his administration, the anticipated demographic bulge will be transformed into demographic dividends.

“On behalf of the president, I reaffirm this administration’s commitment to youth development.

“The youths are the backbone of every society’s transformation,” Mr Shettima said.

He proposed the creation of institutional mechanisms, in collaboration with the UN and other partners, to support the advancement of Nigeria’s objectives for youth and women.

Earlier, Mr Paullier explained that the UN youth delegation was in the country to support the Federal Government’s development vision, in addition to the multi-level support provided by UN agencies in Nigeria.

He added that the visit to Nigeria was essential because of the country’s role as a global player in advancing the cause of young people.

Describing Nigeria as a “very vibrant country”, with young people at the heart of its vibrancy, Paullier added that the country “is on the right path to development.

“If relevant authorities continued to place Nigerian youths at the heart of critical decisions, development and innovation would be accelerated”.

He argued that advancing youth development requires gender equality, as well as access to employment and education.

He recalled that in 2022, the UN General Assembly created a new office to oversee the UN’s support for youths globally in several areas.

According to him, this included the protection of human rights, training, and skills development. 

(NAN)