The Traffic

President Tinubu’s National Youth Conference, a golden opportunity - Former

Minister Sunday Dare 

The announcement of a 30-day Conference focused exclusively on the youth by President of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no doubt resonated across the length and breath of Nigeria. It is a timely shot in the right direction to a target group deserving of more attention and investment. 

“ The President must be commended for this approval to host a youth focused conference for a demography that is unquestionably Nigeria’s best asset. The timeliness and soundness of this initiative must be applauded. Hopefully, the youth will use this conference to discuss and address challenges confronting them. The President’s announcement is laced with convincing words of a leader sincere about his desire to see the youth succeed but above all to see them have the opportunity to shape the youth agenda. President Tinubu has laid a cast on previous efforts made at youth inclusiveness. With this Mr. President hit a home run. 

Mr. Sunday Dare went further to ask that the conference must have a constitutional focus so that its recommendations can enjoy the legal immunity needed and serve as anchor for necessary appropriations. “the youth must take this opportunity seriously and put forth their best ideas and recommendations that will outlive their time on the youth band”. Dare stressed. 

Mr President made the announcement on Tuesday during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary Broadcast.

"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." President Tinubu said.