Speaking as a long-standing advocate for women’s empowerment at the UNESCO REF & POWA national flag-off of the 12 Million Young Women in Agriculture Mobilisation Campaign, Prof. Hafsat Gandujeunderscored the grassroots importance of the campaign, framing it not merely as an agricultural programme but as a covenant of dignity, opportunity, and security for families across the Federation. Read Full Story at the Media Centre.
The Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO (UNESCO REF) and UNICAF have formalized a landmark strategic partnership delivering an exclusive 86 percent scholarship coverage, unavailable through any other channel, for Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral qualifications through the UNESCO REF Educational Financial Facility Scheme (EFFS). Students qualifying through this exclusive arrangement pay only 14 percent of tuition costs. The remainder is fully funded. Read Full Story at the Media Centre.
The National Advocate for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun, conducted a working visit to His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, to formalise and accelerate collaboration for the strategic mobilisation, capacity building and economic empowerment of young women in agriculture across the state. The engagement advances shared commitments to gender equality, sustainable agriculture and inclusive rural development, in line with national priorities and global development frameworks. Read Full Story at the Media Centre.
The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has been officially designated as the National Secretariat for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Programme. This landmark designation underscores NCWD’s pivotal role in advancing UNESCO REF’s mission to empower young women through agricultural innovation, skills development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. It also reflects Nigeria’s leadership in promoting women’s development and positions NCWD as a central hub for driving impactful initiatives nationwide.
This milestone was facilitated through the tireless advocacy of Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun, UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate and President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA). Her engagement with stakeholders ensured that the request was properly advanced and aligned with Nigeria’s broader vision for women’s empowerment and agricultural transformation.
The designation was formally approved by Hon. Vilita Asabe, Director‑General of NCWD, who emphasized the Centre’s readiness to assume this national mandate. In her words: “This recognition by UNESCO REF is both an honor and a responsibility. As the National Secretariat, NCWD will serve as the hub for innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. We are committed to ensuring that young women across Nigeria have access to the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in agriculture and beyond. This is a defining moment for women’s development in our country.”
As the National Secretariat, NCWD will coordinate programme implementation, foster stakeholder collaboration, and ensure alignment with national and international frameworks for women’s empowerment and sustainable development. The YWA Programme seeks to strengthen the participation of young women in agriculture by providing access to training, mentorship, and modern technologies, while promoting inclusive growth and food security. By empowering young women to become leaders in agriculture, the programme contributes directly to poverty reduction, economic diversification, and community resilience.
Through this partnership, NCWD and UNESCO REF reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing gender equality, enhancing economic opportunities, and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The designation of NCWD as the National Secretariat is more than an announcement – it is a national commitment to inclusive growth, global solidarity, and a future where women stand at the forefront of Nigeria’s socio‑economic transformation.
On the morning of 12 August 2024, the Nigeria Police Force and UNESCO REF convened a landmark youth summit in Abuja to mark the United Nations International Youth Day. The gathering drew government officials, security agencies, civil society organisations and youth leaders from every corner of the federation, and set out to reimagine the relationship between young Nigerians and the institutions charged with their security. Read Full Story at the media Centre.