Nigeria has reaffirmed resolve to strengthen its partnership with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the empowerment of women and youth across the country.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said this will be actualized through key initiatives under financial inclusion, skills development, job creation, and peace and security, among others.

Shettima, receivING a delegation from the United Nations, led by the Assistant Secretary General on Youth Affairs, Dr Felipe Paullier, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledges the potentials of the youth “as the engine of change and growth who cannot be treated as a mere statistical power house.

VP Shettima restated the commitment of the Federal Government to collaborating more closely with the United Nations to actualize its objectives for youth and women empowerment across the country. He stated that "they are the pillar of the moment upon whom the future of the nation rests."

The Vice President maintained that President Tinubu "believes in gender equality and youth empowerment”, even as he said, under the administration, “the anticipated demographic bulge will be transformed into demographic dividends”.

He proposed the creation of institutional mechanisms to midwife the advancement of Nigeria's objectives for youths and women, working in collaboration with the United Nations and other partners.

The UN Assistant Secretary General expressed appreciation and honour at meeting with the Vice President, noting that this was his first visit to Nigeria.

Dr. Paullier said Nigeria is a very vibrant country, with young people at the heart of this vibrancy.

He recalled that in 2022, the UN General Assembly created a new office to oversee UN's support for youths globally in several areas, including the protection of human rights, training, and skills development.

Dr. Paullier stated that visiting Nigeria was essential because of the country’s role as a global player in advancing the cause of young people.

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