TINUBU’S 30-DAY YOUTH CONFERENCE AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

In his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a transformative 30-day youth conference, signaling a renewed focus on empowering Nigeria’s youth as an engine of national progress. This presidential initiative could be a potential game-changer at a time when Nigeria’s young population needs to be made ready to take center stage in reshaping the country’s future

The upcoming 30-day conference represents not only a policy gesture but also a clarion call to harness the energy, creativity, and resilience of Nigerian youth in nation-building. For this conference to truly make an impact, however, it must move beyond mere talk and toward sustainable, actionable outcomes that directly address the most pressing concerns facing Nigerian youth.

The 30-day duration of the conference is particularly admirable, but it should be participatory. Equally, it should be totally devoid of politics. The time duration will allow for time to go beyond superficial discussions, enabling deep dives into practical solutions. We propose that the conference be structured around workshops, dialogues with industry leaders, government collaborations, and skill training, this initiative could provide a blueprint for youth development in the coming years. However, the key lies in ensuring that these sessions are participatory and genuinely focused on equipping young Nigerians with actionable skills and opportunities.

Moreover, this format gives young Nigerians the space to interact directly with policymakers, industry experts, and global thought leaders, ensuring that their perspectives are not only heard but valued. Over the years, Nigerian youth have been vocal about systemic issues, from the #EndSARS movement to advocacy for job creation and security. By dedicating a full month to these discussions, we believe the Tinubu administration seeks to honor these voices, creating a roadmap that positions young Nigerians as pivotal partners in governance and societal transformation.

For this conference to be representative, it must include voices from every corner of Nigeria and every socioeconomic background. Young people from rural areas, often sidelined in national dialogues, should have equal access to participate and benefit. This inclusion is particularly vital as the youth population is incredibly diverse, with varying educational backgrounds, skills, and exposure levels. A deliberate effort must be made to ensure that women, differently-abled individuals, and marginalized groups have an equal platform during this 30-day event.

To ensure broad participation, the government could leverage digital platforms and partnerships with youth organizations to facilitate regional and online participation for those unable to attend in person. By incorporating digital channels, the conference could reach a wider audience, extending the benefits to youths in remote areas and providing a virtual space for ongoing engagement after the physical event concludes.

We counsel that the outcome of conference should be harvested to deliver the change that Nigerian youths have been crying out for—the renewed hope promised Nigerians by President Tinubu receive attention: job creation, economic relief, and an accountable government, to mention but a few.

So, sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development—areas that are critical to long-term national growth-should be focused upon. We advise that government also focus on creating a more transparent and participatory political environment. This could involve reforms to the electoral system to make it easier for young people to run for office and participate in decision-making processes. It is disappointing that despite the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act, exorbitant nomination form fees remain a significant barrier for young Nigerians.

The Presidential 30-day youth conference is a bold and visionary step towards a more inclusive Nigeria. It signals a shift towards recognizing young Nigerians not just as beneficiaries of policies but as active architects of the nation’s future. This conference holds the potential to unlock the creativity, resilience, and leadership embedded in Nigeria’s youth—a resource that, if fully tapped, could transform Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

The success of this initiative rests on genuine engagement, actionable outcomes, and sustained commitment from all sectors of society. If Nigeria seizes this opportunity to empower its youth meaningfully, it will be laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future—one where the dreams and aspirations of its young people become the pillars of a stronger nation.