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20 February 2024
Secretary-General appoints Mr. Mohamed M. Malick Fall of Senegal as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria
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22 January 2024
UN strengthens peace infrastructures in Kaduna and Katsina States
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20 August 2023
UN Agencies urge investments in adolescent reproductive health for youth
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Nigeria:
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03 August 2023
Malala has transcended borders, cultures, generations – Amina J. Mohammed
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed has stated that the UN Messenger of Peace, Malala Yousafzai, had transcended borders, cultures, and generations, while her message and her passion had touched people the world over.
“I will never forget 10 years ago when she was in the UN, a young girl who rose to the podium at the UN and declared to the world in the strongest of voices. She said that: ‘One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world’.” She said at a special event in Abuja co-hosted with Malala in observance of Malala Day, celebrated every 12 July.
At the event titled, “Addressing a decade of work for girls’ education”, Mohammed called on leaders at every level to heed Malala’s words and back that up with investments in education.
With more than 129 million girls out of school, Malala renewed her call for collective action to make sure the next generation of girls are able to learn and lead without fear. She also reflected on lessons learned over the last decade.
“I will tell you what I did not know then… one teacher, one activist, one parent — no one can change the world on their own. What is true is that change can begin with just one person,” said Malala Yousafzai. “To build a world where every child has access to 12 years of quality education, we must join forces. We must bring girls and governments together with activists and educators, parents and community leaders.”
The event focused on the transformative power of educating girls and marked a decade since Malala delivered her famed speech at the U.N. General Assembly at 16 years old.
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30 May 2023
Photo Exhibition of Nigerian UN Peacekeepers over the decades
As part of activities commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the UN Peacekeeping Missions, the UN in Nigeria organised a photo exhibition to highlight the contributions of Nigeria to the UN peacekeeping operations over the decades.
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26 February 2023
Hate speech can be both a precursor and a trigger of atrocity crimes – UN warns
The UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, has warned that hate speech, especially if accompanied by policies and practices that discriminate against populations based on their identity often results in hate crimes, discrimination, and violence and can be both a precursor and a trigger of atrocity crimes, in particular genocide.
“Countering and addressing hate speech is crucial. In the Holocaust, and the genocides in Rwanda against the Tutsi and in Srebrenica, Bosnia Herzegovina, hate speech and the dehumanization of ‘the other’ was present during, after and long before violence broke out and such crimes were committed.” She said at a press briefing held on 24 February at the UN House in Abuja.
Nderitu emphasised that action aimed at countering and addressing hate speech must be at the heart of all prevention efforts. “Indeed, it all begins with words.” She said, “By addressing divisive and harmful language, we can avoid escalation of tensions that could result in violence. Measures to that effect can also help build societies that are resilient and inclusive.”
She explained that her role as Under Secretary General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide was not to decide whether Genocide, had taken or is taking place. “This is the responsibility of independent courts of justice that have the jurisdiction to make those judgements,” she informed, “Our focus is on prevention of genocide and related crimes, detecting risk factors with the objective of mitigating and deescalating them.” She informed.
On the 2023 elections in Nigeria, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide noted that election season in Nigeria had witnessed a surge in the use of inflammatory language, hateful and divisive rhetoric, and such hate speech was amplified at an unprecedented rate by digital technology.
Nderitu said further, “We know that the impact of hate speech makes those targeted more vulnerable to violence, exposes them to exclusion and discrimination, exacerbates underlying social and economic inequalities, and undermines social cohesion. We know too that hate speech particularly impacts on women differently as is often evidenced by their absence from political spaces. It also contributes to polarizing communities along identity lines, hampering dialogue and reconciliation.”
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser of Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu is on an official visit to Nigeria this week ahead of the 25 February general elections, and she has met with government authorities, political leaders, representatives of civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and members of the international community for a better understanding of developments and views in the country.
She called on the media to play their invaluable role during electoral processes in educating, informing, raising awareness, and alerting on situations at risk, and countering narratives of hatred and segregation with verified facts.
The Under-Secretary-General acknowledged the work done by “my UN colleagues in the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) led by Deputy SRSG Giovanni Biha and the UN Country Team in Nigeria led by Resident Coordinator Matthias Schmale in supporting Nigeria towards a peaceful election.”
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13 March 2020
A Coordinated Response to Coronavirus
On Wednesday, 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the coronavirus (COVID-19) viral disease as a pandemic, but it is a pandemic that can be controlled. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said, in his statement, “Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up.”
The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to take a comprehensive approach tailored to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. COVID-19 is affecting thousands of people, impacting countries’ health systems and having widespread social and economic effects. The UN entities working on development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, are supporting countries in their preparedness and response plans.
This page convenes sources of information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to track the spread and to provide guidance to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit:
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Latest news on the United Nations’ response: https://news.un.org/en/events/un-news-coverage-coronavirus-outbreak
WHO guidance for countries: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd
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14 August 2021
Young people, Nigeria's greatest and most valuable resource - Edward Kallon
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has reaffirmed that young people are Nigeria’s greatest and most valuable resource. "The quality and type of investments made in this human resource by government, determines the trajectory of development and how society can be envisioned in years and decades to come." He said on Thursday, 12 August, at the observance of the International Youth Day organised as part of events marking the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Internal Affairs (NIIA), and in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos.
He explained that strategic investment in young people's education, health, security, employment, empowerment, effective civil participation, and overall development carried the potential for demographic dividends.
“Nigerian youth” according to Kallon, “are known globally as pacesetters. Not only are they highly skilled and educated, but they are also innovative and entrepreneurial. This country is one of the leading destinations for start-up investments, largely targeting and led by youth.”
The UN Resident Coordinator added that Fintech, e-commerce, and the digital economy were all driven by young people.
The Director General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, in his welcome address, reiterated that there was hope for Nigerian youths, "and the hope can only be actualised by the youths themselves." He said further to the participants who were mainly undergraduates from four Universities, "As you look for change, see yourselves in the change process. Take note that digitalisation is not an option but a necessity. You must embrace technology and leverage on it to drive change."
Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Lawal, commended the management of the NIIA and the United Nations for organising the event to celebrate the youths. He urged young people to embrace Agriculture in their quest for entrepreneurship.
Hon. Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Mr Sunday Dare, represented by the Special Assistant ICT and Corporate Relations to the Hon. Minister, Ms. Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola, explained that the youths must be met and engaged within their space.
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21 February 2024
Secretary-General appoints Mr. Mohamed M. Malick Fall of Senegal as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Mr Mohamed M. Malick Fall of Senegal as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, with the host Government’s approval. Mr. Fall has more than 20 years of experience in development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding. Prior to his appointment, he served as the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, where he provided oversight and guidance to 21 UNICEF Countries Offices, including on the formulation and implementation of the Country Programme Documents, the UN Reform process, and the engagement with the Regional and Economic Commission and African Union and the private sector. Furthermore, he has led the response to multiples and complex crisis with massive humanitarian needs and high security challenges, and managed the strategic review of the country documents, research and knowledge-management related activities, ensuring that the results are used to inform programme and policies.Before that, he served as UNICEF representative in Nigeria (2016-2019), Central African Republic (2014-2016) and Mongolia (2012-2014), as their Senior Education Adviser in Haiti (2010-2012), and as Chief of Education in Indonesia (2006-2010) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2003-2006). He was also temporarily assigned as Education Officer (2001-2003).Mr Mohamed M. Malick Fall has a master’s degree in Demography from Université de Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne – France and a B.A. Degree in History (Licence d'Histoire) from Université de Dakar – Sénégal.
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22 January 2024
UN strengthens peace infrastructures in Kaduna and Katsina States
As part of a joint DPPA-UNOWAS country familiarization mission to Nigeria, Ms. Wifag Hadra, Political Affairs Officer with DPPA Western Africa Division; and Ms. Falmata Liman, Political Affairs Officer with UNOWAS, undertook a field visit to Kaduna State on 18 January 2024 where they met with UN agencies (UNDP, IOM and UN Women) implementing the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) project focused on strengthening the Infrastructures for Peace in Kaduna and Katsina States.
They were also welcomed by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Ms. Hajiya Rabi Salisu Ibrahim; Permanent Secretary for Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Ms. Dorcas Benjamin Tanko; Director for Youth Services within Ministry of Human Services and Social Development in Kaduna State, Ms. Mariyam Muazu; and the Executive Vice Chairman for the Kaduna State Peace Commission (KPSC), Dr. Saleh Momale; and the Special Advisor to the Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Sanke Atiku.
Discussions included a focus on the achievements of the PBF project including efforts to domesticate the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Action Plan in Kaduna State; strengthened coordination among state actors and civil society and security services for early warning and early response to conflict situations; and strengthened mental health and psycho- support (MH/PSS) support to communities impacted by violent conflict.
The KPSC identified additional areas for support, including enhancing mediation capacity that is inclusive, establishing an insider mediation network, institutionalizing conflict sensitivity across government planning/programming, and embedding the culture of peace in the formal education system. Lastly, discussions highlighted the need to have a balanced approach to preventing and resolving conflicts with non-kinetic means.
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17 December 2023
UN Agencies urge investments in adolescent reproductive health for youth
UN sister Agencies composed of UNFPA, UNICEF and UNESCO have called for urgent youth investments and nurturing of the youth demographic via the provision of economic, social and health benefits that guarantee they have ample opportunities to attain their optimal potentials and contribute to the development of society.
These were highlights of the UN Nigeria participation at EKO202- the 3rd edition of the Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Youth Health and Development which held in Lagos from August 15-20 and featured over 1000 particpants.
With the theme "Achieving 2030 Targets: Driving Innovation for Adolescents and Youth Health, the 2023 edition had 8 sub-themes that focused on addressing the health and development needs of youth and adolescent in the modern era. This guided the 4-day biennial event that featured conference plenaries and sessions from government, youth NGOs, public health agencies, development organizations and CSOs.
#Eko2030 Pre-Conference
Youths participated via physical and virtual modalities, and were given opportunities to meaningfully engage in conversations and deliberations underpinned by six of the sustainable development goals: Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, reduced inequalities and climate action.
Speaking through the Officer in Charge Mr. Chris Sabum Macauley, UNFPA Nigeria reiterated the need to nurture the potential of the Nigerian youth by empowering them through informed policies, strategic investments, and innovative approaches that would position them to achieve their full potentials.
A sizeable number of youth and adolescent advocates were able to participate unhindered through watch party modalities established in UNFPA offices in Kaduna, Cross River and Lagos. This increased their proximity to proceedings, allowing them a space to network and also access resources from the event.
Concurrent Sessions and Awards
In line with its 3 transformative results, UNFPA Nigeria participated in a sizeable number of sessions that focused on innovation; humanitarian programming; socializing family planning and ending GBV & Female genital mutilation. Innovative solutions such as the UNFPA Chatbox and Frisky App were also presented to the general public for downloads and feedback.
The UNFPA booth had a high footfall with participating youth able to access publications and manuals that provided instruction on how to maintain optimal SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and rights). UNFPA officers were also on ground to respond to face-to-face enquiries in a confidential manner with health workers on standby to conduct HIV tests.
In line with its role as the United Nations global sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA provided scope for the event theme of driving innovation and empowering youth through participation in panel discussions alongside notable participants from government and private sector.
First Lady of Ogun State Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun added her voice to the calls for an end Gender-Based Violence. Citing current efforts in Ogun State- notably the establishment of a sexual assault referral centre with UNFPA collaboration- she urged greater interventions to address GBV, drug abuse and mental health issues which usually impeded the transition from healthy youth to adulthood.
She was a recipient at the event awards ceremony alongside UNFPA, UNICEF and other dignitaries.
Innovation, Reproductive Health & Youth Empowerment
The event featured breakout rooms with oral presentations on the intersections between innovation, reproductive health and youth empowerment. In keeping to the modality of working with government, UNFPA was able to present a comprehensive sexuality Education and GBV intervention tool.
This collaboration with the Lagos State Government would address perceived gaps in providing sexuality education for youths, adolescents and those transiting to adulthood through provision of vital information.
Social Media influencer Dr. Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor), who was part of the UNFPA Nigeria panel discussion, urged the situation of messages in popular media to attract the attention and endorsement of youth.
Other influencers such as Guinness World Record Holder Ms. Hilda Bacci, Dr. Anto Lecky and actress Ms. Bamike Olawumi (Bam Bam) were also present to provide perspectives on how to increase the uptake and acceptance of life-saving health messages, and amplify the voices of youth and adolescents to catalyze national development.
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05 August 2023
North-east Nigeria: Ringing the alarm bell on the malnutrition crisis
"So how far away are we from a crisis? We are in the middle of a crisis. We need to be clear on that. We are ringing the alarming bell. There are people close to or dying right now as we speak in north-east Nigeria.”
Those were the stark words of Matthias Schmale, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, in reference to the grim projection that hangs over north-east Nigeria: 2 million children under age 5 may suffer from acute malnutrition in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states this year due to a lack of nutritious food. About 700,000 of these children may suffer life-threatening severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This is more than double the number of SAM cases in 2022 and the highest levels projected since the nutrition crisis in 2016.
Rising levels of complicated acute malnutrition
In Maiduguri, Borno State’s capital, there was 48 per cent increase in the number of children with complicated acute malnutrition requiring inpatient care during the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year.
This increase is visible at the stabilization centre, managed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), in Gwoza General Hospital, Borno. Mothers line up with their malnourished children, and distraught mothers from nearby camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities rush in with their malnourished children.
The heat is sweltering. Sunlight filters through the windows, casting long shadows on the children’s beds, which are covered with paediatric scales and measuring tapes.
At one end of the stabilization centre, women quietly wait and observe. Their expressions are a mix of worry and hope as they watch their children being moved from one intensive care room to another for emergency life-saving treatment.
Aisha Mohammed, 26, clasps her eight-month-old son, Ali, in her arms. Ali has sepsis – a serious infection stemming from a compromised immune system due to acute malnutrition. His small, frail body bears the tell-tale signs of poor nutrition.
"I just want my child to get better,” says Aisha. “Life has always been harsh and continues to be so. During the time when we were held captive [by a non-State armed group], our diet primarily consisted of guinea corn and various soups prepared with zobo [hibiscus] leaves. We have been unable to eat the way we used to."
Aisha is one of many people who arrived in Bama from inaccessible areas in Borno to find help.
Aisha’s son, Ali, receives treatment at the stabilization centre. Photo: UNOCHA/Adedeji Ademigbuji
There are places where people’s vulnerability has increased. In 2022 there was a huge increase in the number of patients treated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for severe malnutrition; more than 8,000 children were hospitalized for intensive nutrition care. And between January and May 2023, some 2,530 malnourished children were admitted for intensive care at the MSF stabilization centre. That’s an increase of about 120 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Since late April 2023, almost all of the stabilization centres in Maiduguri have been full, leaving many children waiting in line for an available bed.
The nutrition sector urgently needs approximately US$4 million to increase bed capacity (by about 220 beds), support the operational costs of stabilization centres and implement a harmonized nutrition response across Borno State during the lean season.
Additionally, $4 million is needed to ensure a secure pipeline of life-saving nutrition commodities.
Responding to the lean season nutrition crisis
Efforts are urgently required to prevent a food and nutrition crisis in north-east Nigeria from turning catastrophic.
Some 4.3 million people in the BAY states face the risk of severe hunger at the peak of the lean season, from June to August. More than half a million of these people may face emergency levels of food insecurity, with extremely high rates of severe acute malnutrition that could result in death.
In response, partners have developed a lean season food security and nutrition multisector crisis plan, drawn from the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan.
Humanitarian organizations urgently need $396.1 million to scale up food, nutrition, health, protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene support in the BAY states over the next six months.
The early disbursement of funds is critical to scale up preventive services and case management, including support to stabilization centres that are either non-functional or operating at suboptimal capacity due to a lack of funding. Delayed funding will have devastating consequences for millions of children.
The World Food Programme aims to provide 2.1 million people with emergency food and nutrition. The UN Children’s Fund and partners aim to provide nutritional services to more than 1 million malnourished children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN aims to assist 2 million people with seed packages for cereal production.
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05 August 2023
Hope away from home - World Refugee Day 2023
Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. A day to shine a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilise political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. And while it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution.
This year’s World Refugee Day focuses on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees, with a tagline “Hope away from Home. A world where refugees are always included.” The 2023 theme "Hope away from home", highlighted the need to give refugees the opportunity to study, work and live healthy lives wherever they find safety. And amidst global forced displacement at record levels, the need for solutions and hope for millions of people fleeing conflict and persecution has never been greater.
Since the conflict escalated in the North-West and South-West region of Cameroon, large numbers of refugees have fled to Nigeria through the southern border states of Cross River and Akwa Ibom as well as in the Northcentral state of Benue and Northeast states of Taraba and Adamawa. Nigeria currently hosts some 96,000 refugees and asylum seekers, out of which over 87,000 are Cameroonians.
Over the years, Nigeria has showcased a deep-seated commitment towards the well-being of refugees, not just in terms of financial and moral support but also in their comprehensive approach to assistance. Through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), among other partners, the nation has offered refugees protection, access to social services, livelihood opportunities, and opportunity to work and become self-sufficient. Several advocacy walks were actively organized on June 19, 2023, each occurring in different locations such Abuja, Mubi in Adamawa State, and Ogoja in Cross River State. These walks were organised by agencies and partners working to improve the well-being of refugees and other forcibly displaced people in Nigeria. The walk manifested solidarity with refugees and created awareness of the rising number of forcibly displaced people worldwide, especially in Nigeria, and the many complex challenges they face, ranging from stigmatization, inadequate access to education and healthcare, to mention but a few. The road walks also called on citizens to support refugees and other forcibly displaced persons as they strive to rebuild their lives.
The 2023 World Refugee Day continued its official commemoration on 20 June with a call by stakeholders for sustainable action in a collective responsibility to create opportunities that unlock the full potential of refugees and empower them to rebuild their lives. The Honorable Federal Commissioner for NCFRMI, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, noted the need to open doors and tear down barriers that hinder refugees’ integration and inclusion.
“On this important day, let us pause to acknowledge the immense challenges faced by those forced to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they once own. Let us stand together, not only in solidarity but in unwavering determination, to foster a world where refugees are not merely survivors, but cherished members of our global community. Today serves as a powerful reminder that no one chooses to be a refugee. It is circumstances beyond their control that force them to leave everything behind—their homes, their loved ones, and their familiar surroundings.
“Today, let us remember that every refugee has a story, a dream, and a unique potential waiting to be unleashed,” she said.
According to her, refugees are not defined by their displacement but by their remarkable resilience, courage and unyielding humanity.
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale in his message at the commemoration, said the theme for this year’s World Refugee Day reminds us of our duty to protect and support refugees – and our obligation to open more avenues of support.
According to Mr Schmale, “We need greater international support for host countries, as called for by the Global Compact for Refugees, to boost access to quality education, decent work, health care, housing and social protection for refugees and host communities.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms Chansa Kapaya said, including refugees in the communities where they have found safety is the most effective way to enable them to rebuild their lives and contribute to local economies and the countries hosting them.
She said it is also the best way to prepare them to return home and rebuild their countries when conditions allow them to return safely and voluntarily.
“Concretely, refugees seek to thrive within our communities, just like you and me. This means obtaining decent employment, acquiring knowledge in local schools, and availing themselves of essential services like decent housing and reliable healthcare. They strive for nothing less than to be engaged, contributing members of our society.
Inclusion also means forging friendships and showing solidarity with newcomers in our communities. We all benefit from human connections and a sense of belonging. For refugees far from home, feeling welcome sows hope, we give refugees hope when we empower them to take greater command of their daily lives”.
Refugees represent the very best of the human spirit. They need and deserve support and solidarity — not closed borders and pushbacks. We can all do more to give refugees more hope – and more opportunities – while they are away from home.
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Press Release
02 August 2023
UN honours Princess Adejoke Adefulire for leadership in promoting SDGs
Abuja: 22 June 2023. In recognition of her commitment and visionary leadership in promoting the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in Nigeria, the United Nations in Nigeria has honoured the former Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), H.E. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire with ‘SDGs Champion’ award.
At the award ceremony held at the UN House Abuja, on 20 June 2023, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended the United Nations in Nigeria for rewarding performance and dedication.
“I thank the UN and the orgnisers of this award for finding it imperative to reward performance and dedication. This will go a long way in instilling sense of duty and encourage more people in their services to the nation, to give their best“, said the First Lady, represented by the National Women Leader for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Betta Edu.
Highlighting the contribution of the awardee to the implementation of SDGs at the sub-national level, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale noted, “Your firm belief that the Sustainable Development Goals are for everyone everywhere, is a constant reminder that Agenda 2030 is neither for just one part of the country, nor for just one group of people.”
He underlined that the UN in Nigeria is ready to engage with the new government on how to accelerate achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 agenda.
Th First Lady assured the United Nations in Nigeria that “We will remain partners in building a virile and prosperous Nigeria in our quest to renewing hope especially now that we are rebuilding.”
On the awardee, Senator Tinubu emphasized that Princess Adefulire’s inclusive and dedicated approach to national assignment endeared her to the stakeholders and eventually brought out the best in her.
In her acceptance speech, Princess Adefulire expressed her appreciation of the United Nations Country Team for the commitment and tremendous support towards the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.
“Together, we have made significant progress in our collective desire to achieve the SDGs and leave no Nigeria behind.” She said, and disclosed that as of December 2022, her office had completed the long and meticulous process of institutionalizing the SDGs in Nigeria; while all the institutional frameworks required to support the effective implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria were also in place.
“It is with a great sense of gratitude and honour that I accept this humbling and prestigious United Nations SDGs Champion Award. I accept it on behalf of my formidable team at OSSAP-SDGs and thousands of unsung heroes in Nigeria.” Princess Adejoke added.
The award ceremony was attended by members of the UN Country Team, and representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); the Head of Service; Deputy Governor of Ogun State and the First Lady of Ogun State, H.E. Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.
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Press Release
19 March 2023
UN condemns killing of children and women in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State
Abuja, 18 March 2023 - The United Nations is deeply disturbed by the recent spate of violence in some parts of the country. Earlier this week, several innocent women and children were killed in Zangon Kataf, Local Government Area of Kaduna State. What is alarming is the barbaric and senseless killings of young children including a young boy who was abducted and murdered in the most brutal manner in the LGA. This spate of violence comes soon after another series of violent incidents where numerous of people including children were killed in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state.
The UN strongly condemns these attacks, which have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including children, some of whom were toddlers, women, and men. We are also deeply concerned that people continued to be killed and injured in subsequent attacks.
We urge groups involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and refrain from attacking innocent civilians, especially women and children who have nothing to do with the conflict. We also call for a lasting solution to be found that will provide a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, said, "these atrocities must not continue unchecked. The UN stands with the government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to bring an end to this senseless violence, bring to justice perpetrators and ensure that all citizens are protected and able to live in peace and security."
“We call on all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to this violence and to respect the sanctity of human life. The UN remains committed to supporting the government and people of Nigeria in their quest for a peaceful and prosperous nation”, he added.
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Press Release
19 March 2023
UN condemns killing of children and women in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State
Abuja, 18 March 2023 - The United Nations is deeply disturbed by the recent spate of violence in some parts of the country. Earlier this week, several innocent women and children were killed in Zangon Kataf, Local Government Area of Kaduna State. What is alarming is the barbaric and senseless killings of young children including a young boy who was abducted and murdered in the most brutal manner in the LGA. This spate of violence comes soon after another series of violent incidents where numerous of people including children were killed in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state.
The UN strongly condemns these attacks, which have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including children, some of whom were toddlers, women, and men. We are also deeply concerned that people continued to be killed and injured in subsequent attacks.
We urge groups involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and refrain from attacking innocent civilians, especially women and children who have nothing to do with the conflict. We also call for a lasting solution to be found that will provide a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The UN Resident Coordinator for Nigeria, Matthias Schmale, said, "these atrocities must not continue unchecked. The UN stands with the government and people of Nigeria in their efforts to bring an end to this senseless violence, bring to justice perpetrators and ensure that all citizens are protected and able to live in peace and security."
“We call on all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to this violence and to respect the sanctity of human life. The UN remains committed to supporting the government and people of Nigeria in their quest for a peaceful and prosperous nation”, he added.
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Press Release
01 September 2021
Applications open next week for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme, the graduate employment initiative by the Federal Government and UNDP
Applications will open September 6th for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), H.E, President Muhammadu Buhari announced today at the Aso Rock Villa. The NJFP is an initiative led by the Federal Government of Nigeria, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU), to match 20,000 highly skilled graduates annually with yearlong job placements in public and private sectors across multiple industries. The programme is open to graduates and organisations that fit the requirements found here.
In attendance at the official launch was the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, His Excellency, Mr. Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo CON.
Other development partners who attended the event included the Chargé d'Affaires a.i Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency, Alexandre Borges Gomes, United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon and the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Mohamad Yahya.
According to one 2019 estimate, about 25 million graduates remain unemployed across the country. The NJFP aims to create a channel between graduates and industry, to help address this employment gap by identifying the emerging skills that companies need most, while guiding graduates to be more prepared for a constantly evolving work environment.
In his remarks, H.E President Muhammadu Buhari said, “An important part of our policies and strategies is to focus on employment and creating opportunities for young Nigerians. The Jubilee Fellows Programme will create new opportunities for 20,000 recent graduates annually and I encourage all eligible Nigerians to apply. I also urge private and public sector organizations across the country to join us by providing work placement opportunities, mentors, and funding to support the program. I thank the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union for their support on this vital initiative”.
The NJFP will champion homegrown Nigerian talent and opportunities by connecting organizations directly to graduates. The pandemic has changed our lives in many ways and made it even more difficult for young graduates entering the job market as well as for organizations looking for new talent. Through the NJFP, both graduates and organizations will get a boost in a changing post-COVID job landscape.
In his remarks, the Chargé d'Affaires a.i at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Alexandre Borges Gomes said: “The EU sees itself as being at the forefront of promoting youth focused, and youth led, development. We see the young as change-makers, essential to the implementation of the Development Agenda and stand ready to assist Nigeria in keeping the young as an asset. This is why we are committing to support the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme.”
This fellowship is designed to help fresh NYSC graduates with zero work experience, who often find it challenging to break into the professional world. The long-term goal would be for the Fellows to feel that they are playing a meaningful part in growing the private and public sector landscape, helping to shape the future of Nigeria.
“Through the Jubilee Fellows Programme, young Nigerians will access skills that will help them to navigate in an evolving job market. By creating a channel between graduates and companies, the programme will help identify the emerging skills that companies need most, while guiding graduates to be more prepared to make impact, influence decisions and re-imagine future-proof skills” said UNDP Resident Representative Mohamed Yahya. “We look forward to seeing the inspiring young talent of this country leverage this programme to continue to make positive change and impact in their communities”.
Applications for the Nigeria Jubilee Fellowship Programme will open on the NJFP website on September 6, 2021. For more information on NJFP, visit the website here. You can also watch the recording of the launch event on the Aso Rock Youtube page.
[1] Babalobi, B. Nigeria - Why Graduates Are Unemployed and Unemployable. AllAfrica. Retrieved 30 Aug 2021.
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Press Release
18 April 2021
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator's Statement on UN Operations in North-East Nigeria
I am deeply concerned about the recent attacks on humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak, affecting humanitarian assets and personnel. We have temporarily suspended operations in these areas in order to safely relocate humanitarian staff and are closely monitoring the situation. We intend to resume operations as soon as possible, so that civilians affected by the conflict continue to receive the assistance they need.
I condemn in the strongest terms attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure which may constitute violations on International Humanitarian Law.
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16 December 2023
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