FG Announces Date for National Youth Confab 

The Federal Government has announced February 2025 as the date for the much-anticipated national youth conference. President Bola Tinubu had initially proposed the 30-day gathering during his Independence Day broadcast, aiming to address critical challenges such as unemployment, education, and political participation among Nigerian youths. However, delays in organizing the event have drawn criticism from various youth groups and organizations across the country.

The conference, described by Tinubu as a platform to “provoke meaningful dialogue and empower young people for active participation in nation-building,” was part of his administration’s response to youth-led protests like #EndBadGovernance in August 2024 and #FearlessOctober in October 2024. While some youths welcomed the initiative, frustrations have grown over the government’s prolonged silence and lack of action.

Key youth groups, including the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yoruba Youths Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Ijaw National Congress, have expressed disappointment at the delays, accusing the government of neglecting its commitment. AYCF National President Zaid Ayuba criticized the lack of urgency, emphasizing the missed opportunity to involve the youth in shaping the nation’s future. Similarly, Eric Oluwole of the Yoruba Youths Council lamented what he called the administration’s continued neglect of Nigerian youth, warning of further action to demand accountability.

Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, spokesperson for Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, underscored the importance of the conference for restoring trust in Tinubu’s administration. He urged the government to prioritize the event, emphasizing its potential to address youth grievances. Ezonebi Oyekemeagbegha of the Ijaw National Congress also called for clarity and concrete updates, warning that continued delays could lead to disillusionment and disengagement among young Nigerians.

In response to mounting criticism, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed that preparations for the conference are underway. The event, set to begin in early February, will feature a month-long structure, including three weeks of grassroots engagement before a final convergence in Abuja. According to Olawande, this approach reflects the administration’s commitment to a more action-oriented and inclusive process. He emphasized that lessons from past conferences, such as the 2014 national dialogue, were being incorporated to ensure meaningful outcomes.

The government plans to finalize preparations by the end of December 2024, with President Tinubu inaugurating selected delegates in mid-January. The grassroots engagement phase will involve consultations in federal constituencies, states, and local government areas, culminating in a review and action plan in Abuja.

Olawande stressed that the conference would focus on generating tangible results, with mechanisms such as an implementation task force to convert recommendations into executive orders or legislative proposals. He also pledged to ensure a diverse representation of youths, moving away from traditional selection processes that have excluded grassroots voices.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) welcomed the renewed commitment but urged the government to expedite the process. NANS President Lucky Emonefe emphasized the need for greater youth participation in governance, advocating that at least 50 percent of public leadership roles be allocated to young Nigerians.