THE FG CALLS THE NATIONAL YOUTH CONFAB IN OCTOBER, AIMS AT YOUTH DELEGATES FROM 360 CONDOMINIUMS

THE FG CALLS THE NATIONAL YOUTH CONFAB IN OCTOBER, AIMS AT YOUTH DELEGATES FROM 360 CONDOMINIUMS

…Young people need to move from conversations to creating solutions – Olawande

By Serah Kitka

The Federal Government will convene the 2026 National Youth Confab in October, with a youth delegate expected from each of Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies, alongside six representatives of Nigerians in the diaspora and other relevant stakeholders.

The Honorable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference to announce the National Youth Confab, held at the Press Gallery, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future”, the two-week engagement will begin with a nationwide virtual consultation, followed by a physical conference in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the Confab is designed to provide young Nigerians aged between 18 and 35 with a platform to articulate their concerns, present policy proposals and contribute practical solutions to the challenges facing the nation.

“Nigerian youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; they are partners in nation-building today. Their ideas, experiences and participation are essential to the progress of our country,” he said.

Olawande explained that Confab deliberations will focus on key areas, including governance and leadership; economic transformation and job creation; education and skills development; technology and innovation; climate change and energy transition; as well as social harmony and security.

He emphasized that the initiative aims to go beyond dialogue towards tangible results, saying: “This is an opportunity to listen, engage, cooperate and move from conversation to concrete action.”

The Minister further revealed that mechanisms will be established, including a Confab for Youth multi-stakeholder task force, a Confab for Youth Impact Index and a youth-led monitoring and accountability framework, to ensure that Confab outcomes are supported and implemented effectively.

He called on young Nigerians from the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora to actively participate in the process by presenting their ideas, proposals and experiences.

“The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is ready to listen and the Federal Government is ready to engage. We call on young Nigerians to come forward and join us in shaping the Nigeria of today and the Nigeria of tomorrow,” Olawande said.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Chairperson of the Confab National Youth Committee, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, described the Confab as an important opportunity to deepen youth participation in national development and ensure that young Nigerians are actively involved in shaping solutions to issues affecting their generation.

He urged Nigerian youths and stakeholders to embrace the process and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the objectives of Confab.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, Otega Ogra, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative and members of the Confab National Youth Committee for accepting the responsibility of translating the President’s vision for Nigerian youths into a meaningful national commitment.

Ogra noted that the current administration has continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians to occupy critical positions and contribute to national development.

“The current government is betting on young Nigerians to move the country forward. We want you to bring your ideas to the Confab. The door is open for Nigerians to tell us what they want the country to be like,” he said.

He urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity offered by Confab to present innovative ideas and practical solutions that can contribute to the sustainable development of the country.