By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has announced plans to hold the National Youth Confab 2026 in October, with young Nigerians from all 360 federal constituencies expected to participate in the two-week engagement.
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference at the Press Gallery, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Confab, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” will commence with a nationwide virtual consultation before culminating in a physical conference in Abuja.
The programme is expected to feature one youth delegate from each of Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies, six representatives of Nigerians in the diaspora and other relevant stakeholders.
Olawande said the initiative would provide young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 with an opportunity to articulate their concerns, contribute policy proposals and develop practical solutions to challenges confronting the nation.
According to a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the Minister stressed that youths must move beyond discussions and take an active role in shaping the country’s future.
“Young Nigerians are not merely leaders of tomorrow; they are partners in nation-building today. Their ideas, experiences and participation are essential to the progress of our country,” he said.
He listed governance and leadership, economic transformation and job creation, education and skills development, technology and innovation, climate change and energy transition, as well as social harmony and security, among the key areas of discussion.
According to him, the Confab is expected to produce concrete outcomes rather than remain a platform for dialogue.
“This is an opportunity to listen, engage, cooperate and move from conversation to concrete action,” Olawande stated.
He disclosed that a Multi-Stakeholder Youth Confab Taskforce, Youth Confab Impact Index and youth-led monitoring and accountability framework would be established to sustain the outcomes of the engagement.
The Minister called on young Nigerians across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora to participate actively by submitting ideas, proposals and experiences.
“The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is ready to listen, and the Federal Government is ready to engage. We are calling on young Nigerians to step forward and join us in shaping the Nigeria of today and the Nigeria of tomorrow,” he said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the National Youth Confab Committee, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, described the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen youth participation in national development.
She urged young Nigerians and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the process.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, Otega Ogra, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Confab Committee for supporting the initiative.
Ogra said the administration had continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians to occupy critical positions and contribute to national development.
“The present government is betting on young Nigerians to move the country forward. We want you to bring your ideas to the Confab. The door is open for Nigerians to tell us how they want the country to be,” he said.
He urged youths to use the Confab to present innovative ideas and practical solutions that could contribute to sustainable national development.