UNICEF GenU 9JA Exceeds Target, Empowering Over 9 million Young Nigerians
Funmi Ogundare
UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) initiative has empowered over 9 million young Nigerians since its launch, surpassing its original three-year target of 7.5 million.
The UNICEF Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) Public-Private-Youth-Partnership (PPYP) Platform, yesterday, held its annual Steering Committee meeting in Lagos, to celebrate it’s three years of achievements and set a course for the future.
This achievement also marks a significant milestone placing it on track to reach its ambitious 2030 goal of connecting 20 million young people with opportunities for growth and positive impact.
The key partners including Airtel Nigeria, Tony Elumelu Foundation ( TEF) and UNICEF called for continued investment in Nigerian youths and ensuring that the government , private sector and civil society further support children and youths to be prepared for meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
The 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 committee reviewed progress across its three core pillars including connectivity and digital learning, workplace readiness and youth engagement.
In her remarks, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, reiterated the urgency for continued investment in youth saying,
“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.”
She emphasised on GenU 9JA achievements in the last three years saying that over three million young Nigerians now have access to digital learning tools, such as the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) and Youth Agency Market Place ( YOMA) helping to bridge educational gaps in underserved areas.
“Over two million youth have gained work-related skills and livelihood opportunities. Nearly three million youth have participated in youth-led programmes, amplifying their voices as changemakers in their communities,” Munduate stated.
