The United Nations Youth Association Nigeria (UNYAN) has urged young Nigerians to take proactive steps in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the 2030 deadline.
Speaking during a special International Youth Day broadcast at Radio 1, 103.5fm Lagos, State Coordinator Dr. James Nsan and member Daniel Francis Usuji emphasized the importance of grassroots action in ending poverty, promoting quality education, ensuring clean energy, and advancing gender equality.
Dr. Nsan highlighted the role of innovation and technology, noting that youths are at the forefront of creating solutions that make energy affordable, clean, and safe for public health.
He stressed that policies must be impactful and sustainable, calling on the government to implement long-term development plans and train people for continuity in projects.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining the Office of the Special Adviser on SDGs, which he described as a positive step toward stability in policy execution.
Usuji urged youths to champion literacy programs for grassroots communities lacking access to formal education, organize health awareness campaigns, and advocate for equal rights for both genders.
He also called on young people to reject tribalism in national matters and embrace peace as a cornerstone of national development.
Addressing challenges facing the Nigeria chapter of UNYAN, Dr. Nsan pointed to a lack of publicity and awareness about the group’s work.
He appealed to well-meaning Nigerians for support in areas such as food security, poverty alleviation, and improving rural livelihoods.
Plans are already underway to expand outreach to riverine areas through radio campaigns and school visits between now and December.
The THEME for this year’s celebration is “Local Youth Action for SDGs”
The broadcast concluded with a unifying message: “Nigeria is our country; therefore, we must do our best for her to grow.” Both guests stressed that giving young people a voice in national issues is essential for driving progress and achieving the 17 global goals.
Reporting by Gladys Omamogho