Lagos Lauds UNICEF GenU 9ja Learning to Earning Youth Initiative 

Funmi Ogundare 

Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Commissioner of Youth and Social Development in Lagos, has commended the investment in Nigerian youths through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) GenU 9ja initiative designed to amplify their voices; and address the digital and skills gap towards supporting their transition from learning to earning.

In a statement, the Communication Officer, UNICEF Nigeria, Blessing Ejiofor, explained that GenU 9JA embodies its commitment to youth empowerment by equipping and investing in Nigeria’s future, fostering a generation poised for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

At a high-level meeting between private sector, including notable companies like IHS Towers, Microsoft, Airtel, Unilever, ATC, Jobberman, Cisco and MTN, youth, development partners to assess the progress made in 2023 by the GenU 9JA public-private-youth partnership platform, she stated that considering the current education crisis in Nigeria, the partnership will enhance digital access, learning and; soft and job-related skills for Nigerian children, adolescents and youths.

UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria and host of the GenU platform, Cristian Munduate, said a significant portion of the Nigerian population lacked access to quality services, stressing that “a public-private-youth partnership platform such as GenU 9JA is critical for our nation’s future.” 

“As GenU 9JA looks to the future, today’s meeting was a reflective and strategic session aimed at further empowering Nigerian youths,” Munduate explained. “The public-private partnership remains committed to creating a nurturing environment for every young Nigerian to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their society.