UNICEF Launches GenU9ja Secretariat In VP Shettima’s Office To Boost Youth Opportunities

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.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by UNICEF Communication Officer at the Lagos office, Blessing Ejiofor, on Tuesday.

The organisation said the secretariat, inaugurated on March 31, marks a significant step in efforts to expand opportunities for young people across the country.

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

“UNICEF Nigeria joins the Government and people of Nigeria in marking an important moment for the country’s young people,” the statement read.

It added that the inauguration of the secretariat within the Office of the Vice President signals strong government ownership and commitment to placing youth at the centre of national 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.

According to the organisation, since its launch in 2021, the programme has reached over 11 million young Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It noted that the initiative provides access to digital skills, employment pathways, and civic engagement opportunities, with a focus on young women and vulnerable groups.

UNICEF stated that the newly established secretariat would 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 added.

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

It also emphasised the importance of data-driven and results-focused implementation.

UNICEF expressed optimism about working with stakeholders to ensure the initiative delivers meaningful impact for Nigerian youths.