Get Guardian on GoogleThe Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, yesterday urged delegates at the 2026 National Youth Conference to develop practical recommendations that will influence government policies and programmes.
The minister urged delegates to engage actively, respect divergent opinions and remain focused on solutions, noting that the outcome of the conference would have implications for millions of young Nigerians who were not physically present.
He disclosed this in Abuja at the commencement of the physical phase of the National Youth Conference, also known as ‘Youth Confab 2026’, where young Nigerians from across the country converged to deliberate on issues affecting their development and participation in national affairs.
The conference, themed ‘Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future’, builds on virtual consultations conducted across the six geopolitical zones, which provided young Nigerians with an opportunity to present ideas on the country’s development priorities.
The minister said the virtual phase, which had representation from all states, generated contributions on leadership and governance, employment and economic opportunities, education and skills development, technology and innovation, climate change, peace and security, and national unity.
He said the physical phase would provide an opportunity to critically examine the issues raised, identify the most pressing challenges and develop clear, achievable action plans capable of guiding government decisions.
“Our responsibility now is to carefully examine the issues raised and the proposals received during the virtual consultations. We must identify the most serious challenges, review the solutions already proposed, and develop clear, practical and achievable action plans that can guide government decisions and bring real improvements to the lives of Nigerian youth.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda remains focused on creating more opportunities for young people through education, skills training, business support, technology and job creation,” he said.
Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria, Ms Muriel Mafico, called on government and stakeholders to demonstrate accountability by translating commitments to youth development into concrete action.
Mafico identified unemployment, rising cost of living, poverty, education, skills development, mental health and emotional well-being as major concerns raised by young people in a recent survey.
She said young Nigerians must be recognised as active contributors to national development, stressing that their participation in decision-making should go beyond tokenism.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Maryam Keshinro, said the physical phase marked a significant milestone following the two-week virtual engagement which commenced on October 2, 2026.
She commended delegates for their commitment and contributions, urging them to translate discussions into practical recommendations, stronger partnerships and measurable commitments.
In his address, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged delegates to use the conference to build national unity, strengthen relationships and develop solutions to the country’s challenges.
