UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria empowers over 9 million youth through innovative partnerships


LAGOS - The UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) Public-Private-Youth-Partnership (PPYP) Platform today convened its annual Steering Committee at the Airtel Headquarters in Lagos to celebrate three years of groundbreaking achievements and set ambitious targets for the future. This meeting reaffirmed GenU 9JA’s commitment to transforming the lives of millions of Nigerian youths by connecting them to opportunities for skills development, digital learning, and livelihood pathways. The meeting was attended by GenU 9JA partners from the government, private sector, civil society, UN organizations, and young people from across Nigeria.

Since its inception, UNICEF GenU 9JA has empowered over 9 million young Nigerians, surpassing the three-year target of 7.5 million. This milestone positions the initiative well on its journey to achieving its 2030 goal of connecting 20 million young people with opportunities for growth and impact. The committee reviewed progress across its three core pillars: Connectivity and Digital Learning, Workplace Readiness, and Youth Engagement. Key partners presented updates on their respective contributions, underlining how collaboration has driven success.

Speaking at the event, Carl Cruz, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the transformative potential of digital access, citing the ongoing UNICEF-Airtel Reimagine Education Program, a part of the GenU 9JA initiative. "Airtel is proud to play a role in ensuring no young Nigerian is left behind in this digital age. We are encouraged by the success recorded so far among the 1,260 schools connected through our partnership," he said.

Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), highlighted the impact of youth entrepreneurship: “Young people are the engines of Africa’s economic transformation. Since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered over 20,000 young entrepreneurs, creating more than 400,000 jobs. Our BeGreen Africa initiative will now support over 400 young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Senegal, and South Africa, with green-focused training, mentorship, and seed capital to advance sustainable ventures.”

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, reiterated the urgency for continued investment in youth: "The future of any nation lies in the hands of its children and youth. By providing skills, opportunities, and a platform for engagement, we are not only changing individual lives but also shaping a brighter future for Nigeria."

The committee concluded with a call for continued investment in Nigeria’s youth. To sustain this momentum, GenU 9JA urges the government, private sector, and civil society to further their support for young people, ensuring they are prepared for meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development.


In 2018, UNICEF launched the global Generation Unlimited movement to meet the urgent needs of young people between the ages of 10-24, expanding learning, skill development, employment, and engagement opportunities. The Nigeria chapter of Generation Unlimited – GenU 9JA – was launched in 2021.

Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) at UNICEF, is an ambitious multi-stakeholder Public-Private-Youth-Partnership (PPYP) platform that aims to prepare young people to transition from education and learning to productive work and active citizenship. It was formed by UNICEF, together with public and private sector partners, UN Agencies, civil society organizations, foundations, and young people as the Generation Unlimited (GenU) partnership in Nigeria.

 GenU 9JA Achievements Over Three Years

Digital Learning and Connectivity: Over 800,000 young Nigerians now have access to digital learning tools, such as the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) bridging educational gaps in underserved areas.

Workplace Readiness: Over one million youth have gained employability skills and livelihood opportunities.

Youth Engagement: Over 500,000 young people have participated in youth-led programmes, amplifying their voices as changemakers in their communities.

Popular posts from this blog

Shiite Muslim's Protest turns bloody in Abuja leaving two policemen dead, others injured

Image
PHOTOS: Viewers discretion adviced!  An unplanned protest by Shiite Muslims in Abuja today has left two policemen dead, others injured with ten of the protesters gunned down by the police.  The attack which occurred around the Zone 7 police command at Zone 3 Wuse left lots of panic amongst residents and the nearby Wuse market, which was later shutdown as a result of the incident.  The remains of those killed in the course of the attack have been taken to the Wuse General Hospital while some others in critical condition were rushed to National Hospital Abuja.  So far no statement has been issued by either the Force Public Relations Officer or the group that carried out the attack.  The Supreme Leader of the Shiite group, known as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky have been behind some key protests in the North.  After spending five months receiving medical treatment in Iran, Zakzaky and his wife Zeenah returned to Abuja early th...
Read more

EEDC ANNOUNCES GENERAL SYSTEM COLLAPSE

Image
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has informed it's esteemed customers of a general system collapse that occurred at 18:48 hours today, 14th October, 2024.  According to a statement issued by EEDC Head, Corporate Communication, Emeka Eze, the collapse has resulted in the loss of supply currently being experienced across EEDC network. Consequently, due to this development, all our according to him "interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra,  Ebonyi,  Enugu, and Imo States". "We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo. 
Read more

Senator Chukwu Debunks Rumour Of His Exit From Labour Party

Image
Senator Kelvin Chukwu representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly has denied the fake resignation letter circulating in the media, falsely claiming that he has resigned from the Labour Party.  The Sanator described it as a deliberate act of misinformation aimed at misleading the public and causing unnecessary confusion. In a reply statement issued by the Senator's  Chief of Staff, Honorable Eneh Victor, the Senator insisted that the letter is fake in its entirety.  "It did not meet the standard of what can emanate from the stable of Senator Kelvin Chukwu. It is a handiwork of mischief makers and enemies of the senator who are threatened by his towering posture and audacious performance." "We categorically deny the authenticity of this letter and affirm that Senator Kelvin Chukwu remains a committed and active member of the Labour Party. This is yet another example of desperate political propaganda intended to undermine his position and create dis...
Read more