Nigeria’s 2026 National Youth Conference 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 during the commencement of the physical phase of the conference, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future.”
Olawande said the virtual consultations, which involved young Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones, provided a platform for discussions on leadership and governance, employment, economic opportunities, education, skills development, technology, innovation, climate change, peace, security and national unity.
He explained that the physical phase would focus on reviewing proposals from the consultations, identifying key challenges and developing practical action plans to guide government decisions and improve the lives of young Nigerians.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, to expanding opportunities for young people in education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, technology and job creation.
He, however, emphasised the need for meaningful youth participation in decision-making, urging delegates to move beyond discussions and produce recommendations capable of influencing 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 that commenced on October 2, 2026.
Keshinro commended the delegates for their commitment, describing Nigerian youths as important contributors to the country’s present and future development.
She noted that young people account for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for decent employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills and leadership development.
Similarly, 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 investment in youth employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills and leadership development.
She urged delegates and other stakeholders to ensure that discussions translate into practical recommendations, measurable commitments and stronger partnerships that promote inclusion, national unity, accountability and active youth participation in governance.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for young Nigerians and relevant stakeholders to develop solutions to challenges affecting youth development while strengthening the participation of young people in national decision-making.
