UNA–Nigeria, NIIA Mark UN @80, Call for Partnerships and Youth Innovation
The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA–Nigeria), in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), has marked the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and UNA–Nigeria Day 2025 with a strong call for partnerships, innovation, and youth development to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The two–day event, held on October 23 and 24 at the NIIA auditorium in Victoria Island, Lagos, had the theme “Fostering Social Collaboration for a Sustainable Future” and the sub–theme “Shaping Our Future Together: Accelerating SDG Impact through Partnerships, Innovation, and Inclusive Action.” It brought together diplomats, government officials, academics, and youth leaders from Nigeria and other countries.
Speaking at the event, the President of UNA–Nigeria, Professor Oluremi Olutimo, said youth development remains one of the most important areas that need attention. He said if Nigeria can invest in the youth and in community development projects that are sustainable, many of the country’s problems will be solved. He added that technology should also be used to improve agriculture and create more jobs for young people. “If we can invest in our youth, most of our challenges will be solved. Government alone cannot do it. We need collective effort through partnerships for the goals,” he said.
Professor Efem N. Ubi, Director of Studies at the NIIA, who represented the Director–General, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, said Nigeria has played a key role in the United Nations through peacekeeping and international diplomacy. He called for a new global order built on justice, equity, and cooperation, saying many of the world’s problems cannot be solved by one country alone. “Nigeria continues to promote equity, justice, and effective multilateralism within the UN system,” he said.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, represented by the Director–General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, commended the UN for its role in global peace and development. He said there is a need to include media and digital literacy in education so that people can identify and stop the spread of fake news.
At the same event, Great Joshua Aluko, Global President of the Great People Foundation, encouraged young people not to feel left out but to take initiative in solving community problems. “No youth should feel left out. Start from your community, be productive, and your voice will be heard,” he said.
The Deputy Vice–Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Lanre Amodu, said education must be practical and responsive to real–life problems. He explained that Covenant University hosts the first UNA chapter in Nigeria and supports youth in developing leadership skills and creativity. “Our youths must be taught to solve real–world problems and think independently,” he said.
Bishop Dr. Peter Kojo Sackey, the co-founder of UNA–Ghana, praised the strong ties between Ghana and Nigeria and called for more unity across Africa. He said both countries share a common destiny and should focus on eradicating poverty, hunger, and illiteracy. “If leaders love their nations more than themselves, we will defeat hunger and ignorance. Partnership and unity remain Africa’s hope,” he said.
Honourable Tenitokpe Ogubo, who represented the Executive Chairman of Ibeju–Lekki Local Government, also spoke about the council’s scholarship initiative in partnership with Pan–Atlantic University. He said the collaboration has helped many less privileged students gain access to quality education.
The event ended with renewed pledges from UNA–Nigeria, NIIA, and their partners to continue promoting peace, education, equality, and sustainable development, in line with the United Nations’ vision for a shared and better future.
