The Federal Government has announced February 2025 as the date for the highly anticipated National Youth Conference. President Bola Tinubu first proposed the month-long event during his Independence Day address, describing it as a platform to address critical issues such as unemployment, education, and youth participation in governance.
The conference, conceived in response to youth-led protests like #EndBadGovernance in August 2024 and #FearlessOctober in October 2024, aims to foster dialogue and empower Nigerian youths to contribute to nation-building. “By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping policies, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow,” Tinubu said.
However, nearly three months after the announcement, many youth groups have expressed frustration over the government’s delay in providing concrete updates. Groups such as the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yoruba Youths Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Ijaw National Congress accused the government of failing to prioritize youth issues.
Zaid Ayuba, National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, criticized the delay, stating, “This was supposed to be a platform for young Nigerians to present innovative ideas and solutions for the nation’s progress. Unfortunately, the conference has not materialized, leaving us disappointed and marginalised.”
Similarly, Eric Oluwole, President of the Yoruba Youths Council, lamented the administration’s neglect of youths, calling for urgent action to ensure the event holds. Dr. Alex Ogbonnia of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide emphasized that the conference would benefit the government by revealing the yearnings of the youth, while Ezonebi Oyekemeagbegha of the Ijaw National Congress warned that continued inaction could lead to disengagement among the youth.
In contrast, Peluola Adewale, Secretary of the Democratic Socialist Movement, dismissed the conference as a diversionary tactic, alleging it was initially conceived to pacify youths during the protests. He argued that the government’s lack of urgency suggests it does not view the conference as a priority.
In response to these concerns, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, assured Nigerians that preparations for the conference were underway. He revealed that the event would involve three weeks of grassroots engagement in federal constituencies, states, and local government areas, culminating in a week-long convergence in Abuja. “We are focused on creating an action-oriented event that delivers tangible results,” Olawande said.
The minister explained that the conference committees would be finalized by mid-January, with President Tinubu set to inaugurate the delegates. Unlike previous initiatives, this event aims to directly address grassroots challenges, leveraging the insights of young Nigerians across the country.
Reflecting on past conferences, Olawande emphasized the importance of implementing recommendations, noting that a task force would be established to translate outcomes into executive orders or legislative proposals.
Reacting to the updates, Lucky Emonefe, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), urged the government to fast-track the process. He highlighted the importance of the conference as an opportunity for youths to present their challenges and called for increased youth representation in public offices, insisting that 50% of leadership roles should be reserved for young people.
As preparations gain momentum, all eyes are on February 2025 to see whether the National Youth Conference will live up to its promise of empowering Nigerian youths and addressing their pressing concerns.
