Nigerian international affairs expert, Ms. Wofai Samuel, has pledged to strengthen global youth representation and expand opportunities for young people following her appointment as Assistant Secretary-General for Representational Affairs of the International Youth Federation (IYF).
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday, Samuel described her appointment by the global youth organization as an opportunity to deepen international collaboration and amplify the voices of young people in decision-making processes.
She said empowering young people remains essential to building prosperous and inclusive societies, stressing that youth participation must occupy a central place in global development efforts.
According to her, Nigeria’s growing pool of talented young people can make significant contributions to international development if provided with the right platforms, partnerships and opportunities.
“This new role offers an opportunity to deepen international cooperation among governments, development partners, diplomatic missions and youth organizations.
“It will ensure young people have greater access to leadership, education and economic opportunities.
“I am deeply honored to join the International Youth Federation at this pivotal moment, as young people assume an increasingly influential role in shaping national, regional and global development,” she said.
Samuel said she looked forward to working closely with the federation’s leadership, member states and strategic partners to strengthen international cooperation and create more opportunities for young people around the world.
She also pledged to ensure that the voices of young people are adequately represented wherever policies and decisions affecting their future are made.
In her new role, Samuel will lead the federation’s engagement with governments, international organizations, diplomatic missions, civil society groups and strategic partners to strengthen institutional collaboration and advance youth-focused initiatives globally.
Before her appointment, she served as Acting Director-General of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and held several senior communications and international affairs positions across Africa, Europe and the United States.
Her previous assignments include coordinating the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) Nigeria and the State of Illinois Trade Mission to Nigeria. She also worked with the United Kingdom-Liberia Chamber of Commerce and other international organizations.
The International Youth Federation is a global youth network that promotes education, youth participation, international cooperation and sustainable development in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
