President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to freely express their views on national issues and challenge government policies where they disagree. He made this call while announcing the opening of the National Youth Confab 2026, emphasizing the need for young Nigerians to have a meaningful role in shaping decisions that affect their lives and the country's future. Tinubu stressed that young people should not merely be present in national conversations but actively contribute to decisions that will shape their future.
The President asked young Nigerians who disagree with government policies to go beyond criticism by presenting practical alternatives. He believes that constructive ideas and proposed solutions could help improve policymaking and address national challenges. Tinubu established the National Youth Confab 2026 to give young Nigerians a meaningful voice in governance and national development. The government is expected to listen to their concerns and consider recommendations worthy of implementation.
The National Youth Confab 2026 is taking place amid continuing national conversations over the role of young Nigerians in governance, economic development, and policymaking. Youth participation has remained a major issue in Nigeria, particularly against the backdrop of concerns over employment opportunities, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, economic inclusion, security, and political representation. The conference aims to ensure that young Nigerians are not merely given a symbolic presence in national discussions.
Tinubu announced that virtual consultations would continue for two weeks, allowing young Nigerians across Nigeria and those living in the diaspora to participate in the process and contribute their recommendations. This arrangement is expected to widen participation in the confab and enable young Nigerians living outside Nigeria to contribute their perspectives to discussions on national development.
The President emphasized the importance of constructive criticism, with young Nigerians expected to identify shortcomings in government policies while presenting practical proposals that could provide alternative approaches to addressing the country's challenges. He said the responsibility of government is to listen to the views of young Nigerians and consider recommendations emerging from the engagement.
Proposals considered worthy of implementation would receive serious attention from the government. Tinubu expressed his expectation that the consultations would generate recommendations that could contribute to policymaking and the broader development of the country. He added that he looks forward to receiving the recommendations and giving them serious consideration.
The President's message places emphasis on constructive criticism, encouraging young Nigerians to speak openly about their concerns and engage the government constructively, particularly when they disagree with its policies. The two-week virtual consultation is open to young Nigerians wherever they are, at home or in the diaspora.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu challenges Nigerian youths to express views on national issues and offer alternatives to government policies.
- The National Youth Confab 2026 aims to give young Nigerians a meaningful voice in governance and national development.
- Virtual consultations will continue for two weeks to widen participation in the confab.
