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FG Launches Physical Phase Of 2026 National Youth Conference

by admin on | 2026-11-05 13:43:42

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FG Launches Physical Phase Of 2026 National Youth Conference

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama

Nigeria’s National Youth Conference 2026 has entered its physical phase, with the Federal Government urging delegates to translate discussions from nationwide virtual consultations into practical recommendations that will shape youth policies and programmes.

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made the call in Abuja at the commencement of the physical phase of the conference, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future.”

Olawande said the virtual phase, which engaged young Nigerians across the country’s six geopolitical zones, provided an opportunity for participants to present ideas on leadership and governance, employment, economic opportunities, education, skills development, technology, innovation, climate change, peace, security and national unity.

He said the physical phase would focus on examining proposals from the consultations, identifying major challenges and developing clear, achievable action plans capable of guiding government decisions and improving the lives of young Nigerians.

The Minister noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to expanding opportunities for young people through education, skills acquisition, business support, technology and job creation.

He, however, stressed the importance of ensuring that young Nigerians participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives, urging delegates to move beyond discussions and produce recommendations that would influence government policies and programmes.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Chairperson of the National Planning Committee, Dr Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, described the physical gathering as a significant milestone following weeks of virtual consultations, which commenced on October 2, 2026, across the six geopolitical zones.

Keshinro commended the delegates for their participation and commitment, describing Nigerian youths as important contributors to the country's present and future development.

She said young people account for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, stressing the need to create opportunities for decent employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills and leadership development.

The Permanent Secretary urged delegates to transform ideas generated during the virtual consultations into practical recommendations, measurable commitments and stronger partnerships that would promote inclusion, national unity, accountability and youth participation in governance.

Also speaking, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Muriel Mafico, described young Nigerians as the country's greatest assets, noting that more than 60 per cent of the population is below the age of 30.

Mafico called for increased opportunities for young people in decent employment, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skills and leadership development.

She urged delegates to ensure that discussions from the virtual consultations translate into practical recommendations, stronger partnerships and measurable commitments.

According to her, youth development should promote inclusion, national unity, accountability and active participation of young people in governance.

Mafico also called on stakeholders to move beyond discussions and ensure that the conference produces tangible outcomes capable of shaping the collective future of Nigerian youths.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for young Nigerians and other stakeholders to develop solutions to challenges affecting youth development and strengthen their participation in national decision-making.