Full Breakdown
Generation Unlimited Nigeria: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
10/23/2025, 2:18:50 PM
Overview of GenU 9JA's Impact
Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), UNICEF's flagship Public-Private-Youth-Partnership platform, has significantly impacted over 11 million young people across Nigeria since its inception in 2021. The initiative, institutionalized under the Office of the Vice President, focuses on providing access to digital learning, employment pathways, and civic engagement opportunities, particularly for young women and marginalized groups. During the recent annual Steering Committee meeting in Lagos, co-chaired by the Office of the Vice President, UNICEF Nigeria, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, stakeholders reviewed the program's progress and outlined plans for 2026 and beyond.
Key Achievements and Partnerships
In 2025, GenU 9JA expanded its reach through strategic partnerships with major corporations such as Airtel, MTN, IHS Towers, Unilever, Microsoft, Jobberman, CISCO, AfricaRe, and ATC Nigeria. The Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) program connected over 400,000 youth to skills development and livelihood opportunities. Notably, 20,000 young women acquired technical and digital skills, while more than 85,000 received mentorship through the Future-X Campus Ambassadors Programme. Civic engagement initiatives saw participation from over 665,000 youth, with more than 300,000 mobilized for environmental actions through the Green Rising initiative.
Future Goals and Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, GenU 9JA aims to support 2.5 million youth by 2026, with plans to scale YOMA from its current 400,000 users to 2 million. The initiative also intends to expand the Green Rising program to universities and provide grants to youth-led startups. Rimamskeb Nuhu, Special Assistant to the President on Strategy and Policy (Workforce Development), emphasized that GenU 9JA aligns with the Government of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Digital Access and Livelihoods Initiative (DALI), aiming to create more pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Voices from the Initiative
Shamiyah Umar, a member of UNICEF’s Young People’s Action Team (YPAT) and founder of the We Are Special Foundation, highlighted the leadership role of young people within GenU 9JA, stating, “At GenU 9JA, young people are not just participants; we are leaders shaping the future we want, despite our diverse abilities.” This sentiment reflects the initiative's commitment to empowering youth as key drivers of Nigeria's social and economic transformation.
Official Statements and Responses
UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, confirmed the institutionalization of GenU 9JA, stating, “This step reflects the government’s strong commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the country.” Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, reiterated the importance of the private sector in supporting young entrepreneurs, asserting that they are essential to Africa’s transformation.
Conclusion
As GenU 9JA enters its next phase, partners reaffirm their commitment to collective action and investment in Nigeria’s youth. The initiative not only aims to enhance the skills and opportunities available to young people but also recognizes their potential as leaders in shaping a sustainable future for the nation.
