The President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb. (Dr.) Solomon Adodo, has called on Nigerian youths to take ownership of the country’s development journey by translating their potential into practical actions that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking in Abuja at the International Youth Day 2025 commemoration themed “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, Adodo said Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful progress unless its young population becomes active partners in governance, innovation, and community-driven solutions.

“We must strengthen the partnership between government and youth, the private sector and international development partners. Youth empowerment has just begun, and the SDGs give us a global roadmap to localize development at the grassroots. Nigerian youths must rise to the challenge of turning potential into productivity, and productivity into prosperity,” he said.

Adodo emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has created an enabling atmosphere for young people to contribute meaningfully through regional development commissions and grassroots-focused initiatives. According to him, the President has shown confidence in Nigerian youths, encouraging them to assume leadership roles in implementing solutions.

The NYCN President also pointed to partnerships such as the federal government’s recent collaboration with Innoson Motors to expand technical and vocational training across all 36 states, describing it as a major step in empowering Nigerian youths with the skills required for global competitiveness.

He urged youths to seize opportunities in agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and innovation, rather than dwell on negativity and passive criticism.

“National development cannot be achieved by government alone but through collective efforts. The developed world was built by citizens who rolled up their sleeves. Nigeria’s youths must not be passive actors in their nation’s affairs but a generation that will be remembered for localizing the SDGs and building a sustainable future,” Adodo charged.

The event was attended by youth leaders from across the federation, representatives of the Presidency, civil society organizations, and international development agencies, all reaffirming the role of young people as central to Nigeria’s development and the global SDG agenda.