The Federal Government has called on young Nigerians to move beyond discussions and develop practical solutions to challenges confronting them. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the call while declaring the National Youth Confab 2026 open at the National Counter Terrorism Centre Auditorium, Abuja. He described the confab as a platform for young Nigerians to exchange ideas, examine opportunities and challenges, and contribute to shaping policies and programmes that affect their lives.
Olawande emphasized that youths remain one of the country's greatest assets, citing their contributions to entrepreneurship, technology, the creative economy, civic engagement, innovation, and community development. However, he listed employment, skills development, access to finance, education, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, peace, and security as some of the challenges facing young Nigerians. The minister urged delegates to go beyond identifying problems and develop realistic recommendations, partnerships, and measurable actions that could improve government programmes, access to opportunities, and accountability.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, said the confab offered young Nigerians an opportunity to shape policies on leadership, governance, jobs, entrepreneurship, education, digital skills, peacebuilding, and national unity. She urged participants to move beyond discussions and translate their ideas into practical and measurable actions. The confab aims to provide a platform for young Nigerians to contribute to national development.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Olaseye Nafiu, described the inclusion of young people in national conversations and decision-making as critical to Nigeria's development. He emphasized the need for young people to be involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives. The National Youth Service Corps plays a crucial role in promoting youth development and national unity.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said technology and Artificial Intelligence would be used to capture, analyze, and categorize ideas and concerns raised at the confab. He said the initiative would provide evidence to inform policies reflecting the aspirations and expectations of young Nigerians. The use of technology will ensure that young people's voices are heard and considered in policy-making.
The Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Aliyu Idris Zakari, called for sustained youth participation in governance, saying young Nigerians should be seen not merely as leaders of tomorrow but as active partners and contributors to national development today. He emphasized the need for young people to be involved in decision-making processes at all levels of government. The Nigerian Youth Parliament provides a platform for young people to contribute to national development.
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, called for greater attention to education, employment, skills development, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth participation in governance. He urged the government to ensure that the confab's outcomes translated into policies and programmes that improve the lives of young Nigerians. The National Association of Nigerian Students represents the interests of Nigerian students and promotes their welfare.
Key points
- The Federal Government has charged young Nigerians to move beyond discussions and develop practical solutions to challenges confronting them.
- The National Youth Confab 2026 aims to provide a platform for young Nigerians to exchange ideas, examine opportunities and challenges, and contribute to shaping policies and programmes that affect their lives.
- The use of technology and Artificial Intelligence will ensure that young people's voices are heard and considered in policy-making.
