UNICEF, FG Inaugurate GenU 9JA Secretariat to Expand Opportunities for Youth

Funmi Ogundare 

 UNICEF Nigeria and the Federal Government have formally launched the Generation Unlimited Nigeria ( GENu) national secretariat, aimed at scaling access to skills, employment and economic opportunities for millions of young Nigerians.

The secretariat, inaugurated on March 31,  is anchored within the Office of the Vice-President of Nigeria, signalling government ownership and commitment to placing young people at the centre of national development efforts.

UNICEF described the launch as a milestone in one of the country’s most ambitious partnerships designed to connect youths to learning, digital skills and employment pathways. 

Since its introduction in 2021, Generation Unlimited Nigeria has reached more than 11 million young people across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with particular focus on young women and those from marginalised communities.

With a target of impacting 20 million youths by 2030, stakeholders said the establishment of the national secretariat marks the next phase of the initiative’s expansion.

Co-led by the Office of the Vice-President and UNICEF under the Generation Unlimited Nigeria Public-Private-Youth Partnership, the secretariat will function as a high-level coordination and systems-integration hub.

It is expected to bring together line ministries, the private sector, development partners and young people to strengthen policies and investments supporting youth skilling, entrepreneurship, employment and digital inclusion.

UNICEF Nigeria, as co-lead, reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical support and expertise to scale learning-to-earning pathways spanning education, digital skills, employability and entrepreneurship. 

The organisation also emphasised its focus on evidence-driven programmes and measurable results.

The agency said it looks forward to working with government institutions, private sector actors and young Nigerians to ensure the secretariat delivers meaningful and lasting opportunities for the country’s growing youth population.