The Federal Government has called on delegates at the ongoing National Youth Conference to develop practical solutions to address unemployment, governance challenges, and other issues affecting young Nigerians. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the appeal on Wednesday as the conference entered its in-person phase in Abuja. The conference, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” aims to strengthen youth participation in national development.
The conference, which had a virtual phase, provided an inclusive platform for young Nigerians from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to share their perspectives on critical issues. These issues include leadership and governance, employment, education, skills development, technology, climate change, peace, security, and national unity. The physical phase enables delegates to examine the issues raised during the virtual sessions, identify pressing challenges, and develop actionable recommendations to guide government decisions.
Minister Olawande stressed that the conference must go beyond discussion and produce tangible outcomes that can be translated into policies, programs, and measurable results. He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to advancing youth development through education, skills acquisition, business support, technological advancement, and job creation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, urged delegates to take ownership of the conference and translate their deliberations into practical recommendations, stronger partnerships, and measurable commitments. She emphasized that young people are not merely the future of the country but an integral part of its present.
The United Nations Population Fund Country Representative, Muriel Mafico, commended Minister Olawande for his commitment to youth development, describing the conference as an important opportunity for young people to take ownership of their future and help shape Nigeria, Africa, and the world. She urged stakeholders to pay attention to young people’s concerns, particularly unemployment, the rising cost of living, poverty, education, skills development, and mental health.
Other stakeholders, including Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement, and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, commended the organizers for providing a platform for young Nigerians to exchange ideas, strengthen their leadership capacities, and contribute to national development. They urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and responsible citizenship.
The conference recommendations are expected to help build a better Nigeria, promote national unity, mutual understanding, and collaboration across ethnic and regional divides. The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting platforms that amplify young people’s voices and translate their priorities into practical solutions and sustainable development initiatives.
Key points
- The Federal Government has urged delegates at the National Youth Conference to develop practical recommendations to address unemployment and governance challenges affecting young Nigerians.
- The conference aims to strengthen youth participation in national development.
- The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting platforms that amplify young people’s voices and translate their priorities into practical solutions and sustainable development initiatives.
