President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the National Youth Confab Planning Committee, marking a key step in fostering youth engagement and addressing pressing challenges facing young Nigerians. The inauguration took place at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, with Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, appointed as the committee’s chair.
Commitment to Youth Development
This initiative comes five months after President Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, announced plans for a 30-day National Youth Confab aimed at tackling crucial socio-economic issues affecting Nigerian youths.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu urged young Nigerians to seize this opportunity to reshape their future, emphasizing the significance of discussions on technology and agriculture to enhance economic growth and ensure food sovereignty in Nigeria.
“The success of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youths,” Tinubu stated, urging them to actively participate in shaping policies that impact their lives.
Inclusive Representation
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande highlighted the confab’s objective to promote youth inclusion in national decision-making. He noted that committee members were carefully selected from the Ministry of Finance, key federal ministries, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the World Bank to ensure a diverse and well-rounded representation.
A lead member of the National Youth Confab Planning Committee, Samson Itodo, who also serves as Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, commended the President’s initiative. He revealed that the confab would be conducted in three phases:
- Virtual consultations to gather input from youths nationwide.
- Regional meetings to discuss localized challenges and solutions.
- A one-week national conference in Abuja, where participants will consolidate discussions into actionable recommendations.
However, Itodo cautioned against political interference, stressing the need to keep the confab free from partisan interests to ensure its credibility.
Key Committee Members
Other members of the planning committee include:
- Asuquo Ekpeyong (Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission)
- Dr. Linus Okorie
- Dr. Garba Aliyu
- Babatunde Adeleke
- Francis Sani
- Azeezat Yishawu
- Sara-Igbe Sukubo
- Hauwa Ibrahim
- Zara Goni
- Oladele Nihi
- Dare Ojepe
- Uchechukwu George Egbe
- Samson Itodo, among others.
The committee also includes representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the World Bank.
Driving Economic Growth Through Youth Participation
The National Youth Confab is expected to provide a platform for Nigerian youths to engage in policy discussions that influence national development. With a focus on technology, agriculture, and economic empowerment, the confab aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of job creation, innovation, and food security.
By prioritizing youth engagement, the government aims to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s young population, paving the way for a more prosperous and self-sustaining nation.