By Mike Odeh
In a move aimed at addressing pressing youth-related issues in Nigeria, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has officially set February 2025 for the Nigerian National Youth Conference. This announcement follows the President’s Independence Day commitment to tackle significant challenges such as unemployment, education, and political participation among the nation’s youth.
President Tinubu emphasized the conference’s importance, stating, “This conference aims to provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building.” Despite these intentions, the delay in organizing the event has led to growing frustration among various youth organizations, including the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yoruba Youths Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Ijaw National Congress.
AYCF President Zaid Ayuba voiced his concerns about the delay, reflecting on the missed opportunity to realize the President’s promise. Similarly, Yoruba Youths Council President Eric Oluwole expressed dissatisfaction, noting, “Nigerian youths are not happy with Tinubu on the delay in organising the national youth conference.”
Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, cautioned that further postponements could undermine the President’s credibility, stressing the conference’s role in understanding the aspirations of Nigerian youth. Ezonebi Oyekemeagbegha from the Ijaw National Congress also highlighted the risk of youth disengagement and apathy if the event faces additional delays.
To address these concerns, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande reassured stakeholders by announcing that the conference would commence in the first week of February. The event is designed to span an entire month, with the first three weeks dedicated to grassroots engagement across various regions, followed by a final week of deliberations in Abuja. This structure aims to ensure comprehensive participation and action-oriented outcomes.
Olawande detailed the conference’s framework, explaining that committees are being established to guarantee a focused approach. The Minister emphasized that the conference would prioritize implementing practical solutions rather than mere symbolic gestures.
In an October update, Olawande mentioned plans to create a task force responsible for executing the conference’s recommendations promptly, affirming, “We will start having this as quickly as possible. So, it’s a done deal.”
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also urged the government to expedite preparations and ensure youth representation in governance, highlighting the conference as a critical platform for driving meaningful change.
As the February date approaches, all eyes are on the Tinubu administration to deliver a conference that not only addresses youth concerns but also paves the way for substantive policy shifts that empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
