The Federal Government has challenged Nigerian youths to move beyond discussions and develop practical solutions to unemployment, governance challenges and other issues affecting their future.
The call was made by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, as the physical phase of the 2026 National Youth Conference commenced at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja on Wednesday, November 4.
The conference, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” brings together young Nigerians to examine national challenges and develop recommendations that could influence government policies and programmes.
Olawande said the physical gathering would build on contributions received during the virtual consultations, which involved young people from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the minister, discussions during the earlier phase covered leadership and governance, employment, economic opportunities, education, skills development, technology, innovation, climate change, peace, security and national unity.
He urged delegates to identify the most pressing challenges facing young Nigerians and develop clear, achievable action plans capable of producing measurable results.
The minister stressed that the conference must not become another platform where speeches are delivered and recommendations are eventually forgotten.
He also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu's administration's commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through education, skills acquisition, business support, technological advancement and job creation.
However, Olawande noted that government interventions alone would not be enough without meaningful youth participation in decisions affecting the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Maryam Keshinro, also urged delegates to take ownership of the conference and ensure their discussions produced practical recommendations, stronger partnerships and measurable commitments.
She described young Nigerians as important contributors to the country's present development, rather than leaders whose participation should only be expected in the future.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative, Muriel Mafico, highlighted the importance of translating youth concerns into policies and concrete interventions.
Mafico identified unemployment, rising living costs, poverty, education, skills development and mental health as some of the major concerns affecting young people, based on a recent UNFPA survey.
She called for greater accountability from government and other stakeholders, stressing that young people must have meaningful opportunities to influence decisions that affect their lives.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement, Yemi Adaramodu, represented by the committee's clerk, Ijeoma Chikwem, also called for increased investment in youth empowerment, employment creation and skills acquisition.]
The conference is expected to consolidate contributions from the virtual and physical sessions into recommendations for government consideration.
For millions of young Nigerians facing limited employment opportunities and economic pressures, the significance of the exercise will ultimately depend on whether its proposals lead to policies, programmes and measurable improvements beyond the conference.