By Ify Onyekwere
In a call to action, Nigerian youth took the center stage at the Youth Action Event – High-Level Debriefing for the Summit of the Future, organized by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The event, themed “The Youth Are Here,” highlighted the growing influence of young people in shaping policies and driving sustainable development. The discussions held on the 31st of January in Abuja, Nigeria was enriched by insights from top government officials, international partners, and development professionals, all stressing the need for collaborative efforts to empower the next generation.
Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Mohammed Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor of the CBN’s Economic Policy Directorate, highlighted the importance of youth-driven change. “This event is not just about hope; it is about action,” he declared. He linked the gathering to the outcomes of the United Nations General Assembly’s Summit of the Future held in New York last September, where young Nigerian delegates engaged in vital discussions on governance reform, climate action, digital transformation, and healthcare. Abdullahi lauded the contributions of young Nigerians, from tech innovators revolutionizing digital finance to environmental activists leading the charge against climate change. However, he cautioned that challenges remain, particularly the climate crisis, which threatens the aspirations of many young entrepreneurs. He stressed the importance of platforms like this to foster dialogue, build partnerships, and devise solutions that leave no youth behind.
Representing the United Nations, Muhammed Yusuf reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth. “The United Nations in Nigeria stands in solidarity with you,” he said. He outlined the organization’s focus areas, including education, entrepreneurship, and climate action. The UN, he noted, is working alongside the Nigerian government, private sector, and civil society to create an enabling environment for young people to thrive. Yusuf reiterated UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ stance that young people are “not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today.” He encouraged youth to seek partnerships, innovate fearlessly, and lead with integrity.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, stressed the importance of institutional support in realizing youth potential. “This event is significant not only because it is hosted by the Central Bank but because it reaffirms our commitment to empowering Nigerian youth,” he stated. He dismissed the notion that the Ministry of Youth Development is inactive, affirming its dedication to accessibility, collaboration, and aligning with governance priorities. Olawande announced that the CBN is equipping 500 youth leaders with practical knowledge for the future, particularly in economic innovation and entrepreneurship. “We are liaising with the CBN to consolidate and drive impactful initiatives,” he said, highlighting the Youth Tax Officer (YDO) program as a step towards deeper engagement with young people.
Development professional Daniel Black, who leads the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in Nigeria, spoke on the Pact for the Future, a global framework addressing sustainability and development financing. He emphasized the importance of long-term solutions that safeguard the well-being of future generations. “We cannot create solutions for today that jeopardize the future. Sustainability must be at the core of our development efforts,” he asserted. Black detailed the five pillars of the Pact for the Future: sustainable development and financing, bridging the development finance divide, international peace and security, youth empowerment, and transforming global governance. He urged young people to align themselves with institutions that drive change, ensuring that their voices influence policymaking.
The event’s breakout sessions allowed youth participants to deliberate on practical solutions related to the Pact for the Future. Discussions centered on financing mechanisms for sustainable development, strategies for fostering peace and security, and pathways for deeper youth engagement in governance.
As the event concluded, one message resonated: Nigerian youth are not waiting for permission to lead—they are already shaping the future. Through platforms like this, they are building networks, influencing policies, and taking decisive steps toward national and global transformation.
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I love this story on youth action on climate change and policies discussion.
Sustainable living is what we are moving towards.