Zainab Abioye
The Federal Government has commenced a national youth conference in Abuja, bringing together about 360 young Nigerians from the six geopolitical zones to deliberate on issues affecting their future and the development of the country.
The conference, which began on Friday, is expected to provide a platform for young Nigerians to make direct contributions to government policies on governance, leadership, employment, education, technology, climate change, social cohesion and security.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the government could no longer afford to design programmes for young people without first listening to them.
Olawande said the conference was intended to move beyond speeches and provide young Nigerians with an opportunity to articulate their challenges, propose solutions and influence decisions affecting their lives.
He said, “Today is not just another conference. It is an opportunity for Nigerian youth to speak, to listen, to share ideas, and also to contribute to the solutions that we are clamouring for.
“We cannot discuss the future of Nigeria without young people, and we are not the blind future. We are the present, physical and visible future of this country.
“Nigeria is a young nation, and Nigerian youth represent the greatest strength of our country.”
The minister noted that young Nigerians were already contributing to the economy and society through entrepreneurship, technology, sports, the creative industry and community service.
He urged participants to take advantage of available opportunities while calling for a shift from government commitments to practical interventions that would directly benefit young people.
Olawande said the ministry was particularly interested in hearing directly from young Nigerians rather than relying solely on programmes designed from Abuja.
“We must go beyond talks, and we must give young people the space to speak for themselves, debate issues, deal with the challenges they face, and also contribute to the decisions that affect their lives,” he said.
“That is what this conference is all about. This conference must not be like others.
“We are listening to you, and that is why this confab is very important.
“We cannot sit in Abuja to design programmes for young people in rural areas and present them to the President or the government for implementation. We believe that we must listen.”
The minister acknowledged that the government might not be able to resolve every challenge facing young Nigerians immediately but said the conference would provide a starting point for sustained engagement.
“We are ready, and we know that we may not be able to solve all problems, but we must have a starting point,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement announcing the opening of the conference, urged young Nigerians to speak freely and challenge government policies where necessary.
Tinubu said his decision to convene the conference was based on the need to ensure that young Nigerians had more than symbolic representation in discussions about the country’s future.
According to the President, the experiences and ambitions of young Nigerians should contribute to shaping decisions that affect their lives.
He said, “Say what you think. Where you disagree with us, say so, and bring the alternative with you. Our job as a government is to listen and act on what deserves action.”
Tinubu also disclosed that the virtual component of the consultation would remain open for two weeks, allowing young Nigerians within Nigeria and in the diaspora to participate.
“I look forward to receiving your recommendations and giving them the serious consideration they deserve,” he said.
The Federal Government had earlier announced October for the national youth conference, with at least 360 delegates expected to participate.
The Minister of Youth Development had explained that the programme would begin with a virtual consultation involving Nigerians aged between 18 and 35, including those living outside the country, before the physical gathering in Abuja.
The conference is expected to feature expert panels, policy discussions, an innovation showcase and networking sessions.
At the end of the exercise, recommendations from the participants are expected to be presented to President Tinubu and relevant government institutions for consideration.
The government says the conference is intended to create a structured channel through which young Nigerians can contribute to national policy discussions and propose solutions to challenges confronting their generation.
However, the emphasis placed by the organisers on listening to young Nigerians and translating their recommendations into concrete government action is expected to be a major test of the conference’s impact beyond the Abuja gathering.
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