The proposed 30-day National Youth Conference by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his October 1 national broadcast is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian youths, addressing pressing issues and fostering unity among young people from diverse backgrounds. This proactive engagement is a significant step towards rebuilding and empowering the nation’s future leaders. It is an exercise that is long overdue and it is commendable in all ramifications.
Statistics show that 70 per cent of Nigerians are under the age of 30 years old. This translates to the fact that many Nigerians make up the youth population and that the youth population needs to have a say in the policy direction for social services, education, health, economy and other aspects of national life. The youths will also be able to share their aspirations for good governance for the country. The various challenges facing the country cannot be tackled headlong without engaging the youth population. With the national youth conference, youths will be able to speak with one voice concerning their future and their country.
Crucially, the key objectives of the conference as has been proposed by the president include promoting national cohesion and unity among youths; tackling critical issues affecting youths, such as unemployment, education and healthcare; developing policies aimed at enhancing a sustained youth development and empowerment; and helping the youths rediscover their strengths and talents.
At this point, it is pertinent to re-echo Tinubu’s October 1 speech on this subject to further drive my submission home. He said, “We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognising that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects.”
He added, “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.”
Furthermore, he said, “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.”
In my capacity as the Chairman of Nigeria Youth Organisation, Kwara state chapter, I believe that the strength of any nation lies in its youth. Therefore, this conference will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue that would ultimately unlock the potential of the Nigerian youths.
Tinubu’s youth-friendly initiative in this regard deserves commendation, especially as he has assured that the federal government would consider and implement recommendations from the conference, further demonstrating his commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous and united Nigeria.
It is, therefore, my view that the conference marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards youth empowerment and national development. Also, with Tinubu’s proven leadership and the active participation of youths in the conference as envisaged, Nigeria is poised for a brighter future.
It is heartwarming that In addition to the conference, the Tinubu administration is implementing several youth-centric programmes that include the three Million Technical Talents Programme which targets building Nigeria’s technical workforce; the Nigerian Education Loan Funds which offers affordable loans for tertiary education; Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme which creates 2.5 million jobs annually while ensuring the welfare and safety of workers.
Based on the foregoing, the Kwara state chapter of the NYO especially commends Mr. President for this bold, timely and responsive conference.
•Samson is Chairman, Nigeria Youth Organisation, Kwara State chapter