President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans for a 30-day National Youth Conference aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by Nigeria’s youth. He made this announcement during his Independence Day Anniversary Broadcast on Tuesday, marking the country’s 64th year of independence.
Emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in nation-building, Tinubu stated, “As we work to overcome the challenges of the day, we remain mindful of the next generation as we seek to galvanize their creative energy towards a better future.” He stressed that it is essential to include young people in shaping the policies that will affect their lives.
The President noted that the conference would serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among Nigeria’s youth, who make up over 60% of the population. “This conference will address diverse challenges and opportunities, provoking discussions on issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice,” he explained.
The modalities for the conference, including the selection of delegates, will be developed in consultation with youth representatives to ensure that their aspirations are at the forefront of the discussions. “It will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations,” Tinubu affirmed.
He also assured that the government would carefully consider and implement the recommendations arising from the forum, as part of its commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.
Additionally, Tinubu addressed the need for reforms in Nigeria’s political economy and defense architecture, emphasizing the resilience of the Nigerian people amid crises that have destabilized other nations. He reiterated his administration’s determination to combat banditry and terrorism, enabling displaced farmers to return to their land and enhance food production to alleviate rising food prices.
Through this initiative, the Tinubu administration aims to foster a brighter future for Nigeria by empowering its youth to play an active role in the country’s development.
