The Nigerian Leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has inaugurated the planning committee of the National Youth Conference, tasking the youths to seize the opportunity to redefine their future.
During the inauguration of the committee at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu reiterated that his administration’s policies over the past few months are intended to improve the nation’s economy for the benefit of Nigerian youths.
President Tinubu tasked the planning committee to critically priotise discussions on technology and agriculture to achieve food sovereignty for the country.
Describing the youths as the heart beat of the nation, the President emphasised their crucial role in the country’s success, urging them to voice their concerns and ideas to boost national prosperity.
“Look at me in the face, tell me where you think it is wrong, and the way it is done, or suggestions, we will try to implement all of it as long as it is for the prosperity of this country.”
The President assured the youths that his administration is dedicated to improving Nigeria but recognises that it cannot be done without the youths who represent over 60 percent of the nation’s population.
“Politics is about development and the future generation. I am glad you all are here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow, and a day after.
“I reassure you that you are the hope of this country. Every decision taken is about you.
“JAPA is due to lack of investments. This is your home, the government of the day is all about you. Take it very seriously…
“Mine is to assure you that we will do everything to make Nigeria a better place for you but we can’t do it alone,” the President added.
President Tinubu further reassured the youths of his support, he urged for thorough collaboration and feedback, highlighting his role to facilitate a conducive environment for the confab by removing obstacles.
The President said the aim is to promote youth inclusiveness and recognise their role as vital nation-builders.
The Nigerian Leader recalled the challenges associated with the economic reforms, he asserted that the nation’s economy is improving, with decreasing prices, overall economic betterment, and increased opportunities for investors.
“You have the great opportunity of advancing the economy of this country. It’s all in your hands. Mine is to help navigate and push and lift the heavy weight.”
“This Confab we believe is a demonstration of your commitment to not just youth development but citizen engagement and inclusive governance…you have told the world that young people are more than just media aides because you have appointed young people as your Special Advisers… pic.twitter.com/ytA80Q3uOx
— Daddy D.O (@DOlusegun) March 10, 2025
In his remarks, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said the confab will be convened to promote youth engagement.
Olawande noted that President Tinubu’s administration is a listening government that is ready to be attentive and incorporate the ideas and contributions of young people in governance.
He said that the members are carefully selected as representatives were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Finance, other related Federal Ministries, Civil Society Organisations, Non-governmental organisations, the World bank, amongst many others.
He said they are to champion and plan for the conference that will impact the life of the youths of Nigeria
According to the Minister, “the government aims to create opportunities for the youth and is focused on addressing their concerns.
He urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the youth confab to contribute developmental policies.
A lead member of the youth confab planning committee and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, lauded President Tinubu’s commitment in recognising the youths.
“I would use this opportunity to appreciate the recognition of youths by the President”
He outlined that the 30day National youth confab will be segmented into virtual consultations, regional meetings and the last week of it will engage youths at the Abuja conference.
Itodo urged the government to keep the confab completely insulated from politics.
It would be recalled that President Tinubu, during his 2024 October 1st Independence Day broadcast, announced the gathering of a 30-day national youth conference to address critical issues facing the country’s youths, including unemployment, education, and political participation.
The Committee is to be chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the federal Ministry of Youth development.
Among those inaugurated are Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission Asuquo Ekpeyong, Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo,Hauwa Nana Ibrahim ,Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe ,Uchechukwu George Egbe, Samson Itodo amongst many others.
Also represented in the planning committee are representatives of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, and Non-governmental organisations.
Present at the inauguration were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, Spokespersons to the President, Mr. Sunday Dare and Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Senior Special Assistant on media, Tunde Rahman among others.
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