A snapshot of Opeyemi Ogundeji, NGYouthSDGs Programmes Manager at the photo stand
On October 31, 2024, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja was buzzing with excitement as the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative (NGYouthSDGs), represented by Programmes Manager Opeyemi Ogundeji, joined the global celebration for United Nations Day. This high-energy event commemorated 79 years of the UN’s impact on peace, unity, and sustainable development worldwide.
The hall was a vibrant mix of attendees from different walks of life – diplomats, UN staff and interagency groups, Nigerian government officials, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, media representatives, social entrepreneurs, private sector players, and even students from secondary schools. The diversity was rich, representing multiple facets of Nigerian society.
Opening Moments
The event kicked off with everyone joining in for a patriotic recital of Nigeria’s National Anthem, setting a tone of unity and pride. This was followed by a brief reading of the history of the UN, focusing on its commitment to peacebuilding, sustainable development, and justice. The MCs of the event also went into doing a warm acknowledgement of the dignitaries present.
A snapshot of Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative, L-R: Mr. Mohamed M. Malick Fall, UN Resident, Humanitarian Coordinator
Remarks
Two distinguished UN leaders – Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative, and Mr. Mohamed M. Malick Fall, UN Resident, Humanitarian Coordinator, and Chief Host lit up the room with their opening and welcome remarks. They delivered these messages with bright smiles and positive energy that inspired all:
- Encouraging young Nigerians to see themselves as crucial to the nation’s future.
- Urging everyone to embrace the Pact of the Future.
- Reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s development goals.
- Challenging youths to define the Nigeria they envision and to actively co-create it.
Goodwill Message and Performances
Ambassador Efe Clarke Omeru from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared a goodwill message, emphasising the international significance of the event. The crowd was later fascinated by the spoken word and dance performances that highlighted the creativity and spirit of Nigerian youth.
A snapshot of Comrade Ayodele Olawande giving his Reflective Remarks
Reflective Remarks by Honourable Minister of Youth Development
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, gave an impactful talk. He stressed that youth empowerment is key to the country’s success, conveying this belief in his words:
“Build the youth, build the nation; destroy the youth, destroy the future.”
In his reflections, Comrade Olawande shared the following commitments of his office:
- Bridging the gap between education and employment through collaborations with academic institutions and organisations.
- Empowering youth with skills, aiming for every Nigerian youth to acquire at least two skills through the Nigerian Youth Employment Academy (NIYEA) – already impacting 80,000 youth.
- Strengthening financial literacy via the Nigeria Youth Investment Funds.
- Working toward a 25% reduction in youth unemployment by 2025.
- Supporting mental health initiatives and committing to help Nigerian youth realise their aspirations.
Creative Presentations from Primegate Academy Students
Students from Primegate Academy demonstrated Nigeria’s welcoming nature towards diplomats through a patriotic parade. They also performed a thought-provoking drama on the power of collaboration in peacebuilding, emphasising the importance of working together for a better future.
A cross-section of the youth panel L- R: Laila Sanusi, Lasisi Godwin Onaolapo (NGYouthSDGs Youth Associate), Lucy Abeng, and Joy Asohe
Youth Panel Discussion on the Pact of the Future
Another highlight of the event was the Youth Panel, moderated by Joy Asohe. The panellists: Laila Sanusi, Lasisi Godwin Onaolapo, and Lucy Abeng discussed three key areas of change they’d make to foster unity and sustainable development if they had superpowers:
- Transforming the Education System: Integrating vocational skills into traditional education to promote critical thinking.
- Tribal Reconciliation: Promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
- Empowering Youth Voices: Creating more platforms for young people to speak up and for leaders to craft solutions with youth input.
There were additional comments from the audience, the conversation extended into topics such as employment, where panellists encouraged youth to focus on competence, credibility, and leveraging mentorships. One of the panellists also spoke about the intersection between digital technology and job opportunities, urging young Nigerians to think globally, consider remote work, and aim for earnings in foreign currencies.
A snapshot of Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Country Representative, WHO Nigeria giving the Vote of thanks
Vote of Thanks and Closing Activities
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Country Representative, WHO Nigeria. After which there were group photographs, networking sessions, and visitation of the exhibition booths where creative items were displayed for sale.
A group photograph showing some of the participants of the event
UN Day 2024 in Abuja was an inspiring celebration of global unity and a reminder of the power of collective effort towards a sustainable future. With young Nigerians leading the charge, the event left us motivated to keep playing our part in shaping a brighter, more inclusive Nigeria.
