President Tinubu Inaugurates National Youth Confab Planning Committee.
President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated the planning committee for the National Youth Confab, marking a significant step towards engaging young Nigerians in national development. The ceremony took place on Monday at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
The committee will be chaired by Olubunmi Olusanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, and will be responsible for organising a 30-day national conference aimed at addressing key challenges facing Nigerian youths. This initiative follows the President’s Independence Day announcement five months ago, where he pledged to create a platform for young people to shape their future.
During the inauguration, President Tinubu urged the nation’s youths to seize this opportunity to influence policies that will transform the lives of millions across the country. He emphasised the importance of discussions on technology and agriculture, stressing that youth-led innovations in these sectors could help Nigeria achieve food sovereignty and economic growth.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the committee’s inclusive representation, which draws members from the Ministry of Finance, relevant federal ministries, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations, and the World Bank. He described the confab as a crucial avenue to enhance youth engagement and participation in governance.
A lead member of the planning committee, Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, praised the initiative and outlined the structure of the confab. He explained that it would involve virtual consultations, regional meetings, and a final one-week gathering in Abuja. However, he cautioned against any political interference, insisting that the process should remain independent to achieve its objectives.
Other notable members of the planning committee include Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Dr Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, Hauwa Ibrahim, Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe, Uchechukwu George Egbe, and Samson Itodo, among others.
With a diverse team and a strong commitment to youth development, the National Youth Confab is set to provide a meaningful platform for young Nigerians to contribute to shaping the nation’s future.
