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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
As part of his administration’s strategy to feel the pulse of Nigerian youth, President Bola Tinubu has gathered over one million youth in Abuja to proffer solutions on the economy and how they can be included in the scheme of things.
The Youth Conference, which is the first of its kind in the history of the country, is expected to discuss insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, high standard of living, high transportation cost and poverty, among other economic indices as they affect young people, and proffer solutions which would be submitted to the President on Sunday.
Speaking at the commencement of the physical phase of the National Youth Confab 2026 in Abuja, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, charged the delegates representing over 200 youth groups to develop clear, practical and achievable recommendations that will address challenges confronting young Nigerians and contribute to national development.
Under the theme “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” the minister described the gathering as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in national development.
He noted that the virtual phase had provided an inclusive platform for young Nigerians across the country, with representation from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to contribute their perspectives on critical issues, including leadership and governance, employment, education, skills development, technology, climate change, peace, security and national unity.
Olawande explained that the physical phase would enable delegates to critically examine the issues raised during the virtual sessions, identify pressing challenges, assess proposed solutions and develop actionable recommendations to guide government decisions and improve the lives of young Nigerians. He stressed that the conference must go beyond discussions and produce tangible outcomes that can be translated into policies, programmes and measurable results.
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of Tinubu’s administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to advancing youth development through education, skills acquisition, business support, technological advancement and job creation. He also assured delegates of the ministry’s determination to strengthen existing programmes and partnerships to ensure that the outcomes of the conference inform youth-focused policies and interventions.
He urged delegates to participate actively, listen to one another, respect divergent opinions and remain focused on developing practical solutions. He further reminded them of their responsibility to millions of young Nigerians who were not physically present at the conference, emphasising the need to ensure that their deliberations produced recommendations and partnerships capable of delivering lasting impact.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Maryam Keshinro, expressed appreciation to Nigerian youths for their patience, presence, sacrifices and commitment to building a better Nigeria.
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She observed that young people are not merely the future of the country but also an integral part of its present, urging delegates to take ownership of the National Youth Confab and translate their deliberations into practical recommendations, stronger partnerships and measurable commitments. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of the conference translate into concrete actions that promote youth inclusion, national unity, accountability and active participation in governance.
In her submission, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Muriel Mafico, commended the minister for his commitment to youth development, describing the National Youth Confab as an important opportunity for young people to take ownership of their future and contribute to shaping Nigeria, Africa and the world.
She underscored the importance of listening to the concerns of young people, particularly on issues relating to unemployment, the rising cost of living, poverty, education, skills development and mental health. She reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting platforms that promote youth participation, amplify young people’s voices and ensure that their priorities are translated into practical solutions, sustainable development initiatives and meaningful outcomes.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, represented by the Clerk of the committee, Dr Ijeoma Chikwem, commended the organisers of the 2026 National Youth Confab for providing a platform for young Nigerians to exchange ideas, strengthen their leadership capacities and contribute to national development.
He emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, skills acquisition and employment creation, urging young people to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and responsible citizenship. He also called on the government, the private sector, civil society organisations and community leaders to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, applauded the minister for championing the inclusion of young people in national decision-making.
He described the 2026 National Youth Confab as a historic opportunity for Nigerian youths to contribute to shaping the country’s future. He urged delegates to embrace national unity, mutual understanding and collaboration across ethnic and regional divides.
Ogbuku further encouraged young people to channel their energy, creativity and passion for change towards developing practical solutions and demonstrating their readiness for leadership.
