The Federal Government is exploring the possibility of involving Nigerian youths living abroad in the forthcoming 30-day Youth Conference, according to the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, Olawande revealed that the Youth Confab is expected to take place before the year’s end. He noted that the event’s specifics and arrangements will be disclosed in the coming weeks.
This initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address on October 1, 2024, where he announced the administration’s plan for a 30-day Youth Confab aimed at tackling the numerous challenges facing Nigerian youth, who make up over 60% of the country’s population.
The President emphasized that the conference is designed to unite young people from across the nation to devise solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.
“The structure of the confab and the selection of delegates will be developed in close collaboration with young Nigerians through their representatives,” the President stated. “Our responsibility as leaders will be to ensure that their aspirations are central to the discussions.”
Providing more insight into the confab’s structure, Olawande noted that talks with various stakeholders are ongoing, adding that youths in the diaspora would be encouraged to contribute their ideas on innovative strategies to address the country’s challenges.
He highlighted that the conference would not be limited to urban youth, but would also include participants from towns, villages, and rural areas across the country.
“The guidelines for the confab will be out soon. We are holding strategic meetings following the Presidential announcement, and once finalized, the public will be informed. This initiative is not solely driven by the Ministry of Youth; it involves collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Youth participation will span all regions of the country, and we aim to extend this even to those in the diaspora,” Olawande said.
While not all diaspora youth will be involved, he mentioned that those with valuable experiences and insights would be selected to contribute. The confab will also engage participants via online platforms like X Space, ensuring widespread youth participation.
However, Olawande stressed that the focus of the discussions should not dwell solely on the challenges but on finding practical solutions.
The minister also hinted that the confab would commence soon, with the date and other details to be communicated in the coming weeks.
“We will make the announcement very soon. The event will be swift to ensure quick implementation. Our aim is to hold it before the year ends, with guidelines expected in the next two to three weeks,” he concluded.
