By Isaac Mission
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has praised the governments of Ogun and Imo states for their efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment, healthcare, youth innovation and digital development.
Mohammed made the commendation after completing a multi-state visit to Nigeria, during which she reviewed several development initiatives and engaged with government officials, beneficiaries and young innovators.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, disclosed the details on Tuesday at the UN Headquarters in New York.
According to Haq, Mohammed recognised initiatives in both states aimed at promoting inclusive development and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
During her visit to Ogun, the UN deputy chief met beneficiaries of the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Programme, which is designed to expand economic opportunities for women facing challenges accessing finance, markets and sustainable sources of income.
The Ogun State Government said approximately 100,000 women had benefited from the programme, describing it as an important tool for reducing poverty and improving household welfare.
Mohammed's engagement with the beneficiaries also highlighted the importance of women's participation in economic activities as part of efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
Her visit to Imo focused largely on technology, entrepreneurship and the state's growing community of young innovators.
Haq said Mohammed met young people developing a range of technology-based solutions, including artificial intelligence applications, drones, e-commerce platforms and digital tools for governance.
She also visited the UNDP-supported Imo Digital City, where she examined programmes focused on digital skills, innovation and employment opportunities.
During her Imo visit, Mohammed joined Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the launch of a nationwide economic empowerment initiative targeting vulnerable women.
The programme is expected to support beneficiaries in developing sustainable livelihoods while helping them cope with economic and social challenges.
Mohammed later travelled to Lagos, where she participated in the Africa-Diaspora Leadership Programme. The gathering brought together emerging African and diaspora leaders to discuss ways of strengthening institutions, businesses and productive capacity across the continent.
Addressing participants, Mohammed urged Africans to focus not only on securing representation internationally but also on building the economic and institutional strength needed to influence global decisions.
She also emphasised the importance of African ownership of the continent's economic resources and opportunities, particularly in business, finance, technology and innovation.
Mohammed, a former Nigerian Minister of Environment, has served as UN Deputy Secretary-General since 2017. She is also Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group and was involved in the development of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Nigeria visit gave her an opportunity to assess development programmes on the ground and engage directly with beneficiaries, political leaders and young entrepreneurs.
