Nigeria proudly celebrates noteworthy strides in youth empowerment with the impactful GenU 9JA Initiative as a catalyst for change, unveiling impressive accomplishments in connectivity, digital learning, workplace readiness, and youth engagement.
This groundbreaking endeavor signifies a pivotal moment in the nation’s commitment to fostering the potential of its young population. From skill development to creating opportunities, the GenU 9JA Initiative stands as a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to shaping a brighter future for its youth.
As GenU 9JA charts its course for the future, at a high-level meeting held on Wednesday 29th November in Lagos convened between private sector, including notable companies like IHS Towers, Microsoft, Airtel, Unilever, ATC, Jobberman, Cisco and MTN along with government, youth, development partners and UNICEF officials to assess the progress made in 2023.
The discussions delved into the challenges and opportunities faced by Nigerian youth, emphasizing the commitment to further empower them.
The public-private partnership showcased unwavering dedication, with a clear focus on creating a nurturing environment where every young Nigerian can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
One of the key achievements is connectivity and digital learning , exceeding predefined targets, GenU Naija, in collaboration with the private sector, has significantly impacted over 2 million young individuals in underserved communities and 820 schools.
This initiative has seamlessly integrated platforms such as the Nigeria Learning Passport, engaging nearly 750,000 users, and the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA). The result is a notable enhancement in learning experiences, providing a lifeline for youth in accessing education.
With a focus on preparing young Nigerians for the workforce, GenU Naija has successfully equipped over 800,000 individuals with essential skills and livelihood opportunities. Platforms like YOMA have played a pivotal role in connecting users to diverse learning and engagement opportunities facilitated by private sector partners.
This strategic approach ensures that the youth are not only educated but also prepared for the dynamic demands of the professional landscape.
Also, UNICEF’s U-Report, a key component of GenU Naija’s youth engagement strategy, has reached an impressive audience of nearly 5.5 million young people.
Beyond numbers, the initiative has facilitated volunteering experiences for the youth, actively participating in campaigns that drive positive change for children in Nigeria. A shining example is the recent e-birth registration campaign, where young volunteers played a pivotal role in registering the birth of almost 8 million children nationwide.
“UNICEF GenU 9JA embodies our commitment to youth empowerment. By equipping our youth, we’re investing in Nigeria’s future, fostering a generation poised for sustainable development and economic prosperity” said Mobolaji Ogunlende, Hon. Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, praised the initiative.
However, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria and host of the GenU platform, emphasized the urgency of such initiatives, stating, “With a significant portion of the Nigerian population lacking access to quality services, a public-private-youth partnership platform such as GenU 9JA is critical for our nation’s future.”
“It is a testament to the power of collaboration between public and private sectors as well as youth as generational agents of change,” she said.
Iruka Ndubuizu, Director Partnerships at Tony Elumelu Foundation, highlighted the importance of partnerships for youth development: “The private sector’s involvement in this platform is aimed at providing holistic support to young people and nurturing a resilient economy fueled by our most valuable asset – our Youth”.
Anthonia Obokoh
