…urges FG to safeguard Confab against hijack
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) expresses its sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the request to convene a National Youth Conference focused on addressing the critical challenges facing Nigerian youth. This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting youth engagement and empowerment within our nation, highlighting the government’s acknowledgment of the essential role young people play in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The demand for a National Youth Conference has been a focal point for the NYCN during various engagements, particularly during the #EndBadGovernance protests, a protest that underscored the frustrations, hopes, and aspirations of young Nigerians, revealing the urgent need for a structured platform where their voices could be heard.
Following President Tinubu’s recent address on Tuesday during the nationwide celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence, NYCN President Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo conveyed the collective excitement among young people regarding the announced National Youth Conference.
The Apex Youth body emphasized the importance of this gathering while also urging the Federal Government to ensure that it is not hijacked for political purposes.
In his independence address, President Tinubu affirmed, “, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population. It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.
“The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.”
Recall that the call for a National Youth Conference was reiterated during the NYCN’s visit to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, on July 25 in Abuja, followed by a virtual meeting the next day. The NYCN’s stance was also articulated in an eight-point demand paper that garnered significant media coverage across the nation. During a Youth Stakeholders meeting at the National Assembly, NYCN Deputy President Amb. Innocent Nduaya further emphasized the importance of the conference.
Additionally, the NYCN has communicated with key government officials, including a letter to the National Security Adviser, Mal Nuhu Ribadu, dated July 27, and an International Youth Day press release issued on August 11, urging the current administration to organizing this critical dialogue.
The significance of this conference cannot be overstated. It offers Nigerian youth a vital opportunity to voice their grievances, propose actionable solutions, and actively participate in the governance process.
The NYCN firmly believes that this gathering will empower young people to articulate their views on issues that directly affect their lives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the policies that govern them.
The NYCN warns against any attempts by the Federal Government to exploit this initiative for political purposes or divert it from its original intent. The Federal Government and the Ministry of Youth Development must ensure that this initiative is not compromised. It is vital for the conference to focus on the needs and concerns of the youth, without being influenced by external political agendas. Maintaining the integrity of this platform is essential to effectively addressing the challenges faced by young Nigerians.
The NYCN believes that the National Youth Conference will serve as a pivotal platform for identifying the myriad challenges facing young people and for proposing viable solutions. It is vital that the government actively considers and implements the recommendations arising from this forum, as these insights reflect the aspirations and voices of Nigeria’s youth.
In conclusion, the NYCN extends its gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the National Youth Conference. This gathering represents a significant opportunity to promote dialogue, engage youth in nation-building, and develop actionable strategies to address their concerns. We urge the Federal Government to ensure that this conference remains focused on empowering the youth and does not lose sight of its fundamental objectives.
The perspectives and voices of Nigerian youth are essential for the nation’s progress, and this conference is a crucial step in ensuring that their views are acknowledged and acted upon. We anticipate a successful National Youth Conference that will pave the way for a brighter future for all young Nigerians. Together, let us strive toward building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
Signed
Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo
President, National Youth Council of Nigeria 🇳🇬 (NYCN);
Secretary, NYCN Board of Trustees
