News

FG Plans National Youth Confab in October, Targets 360 Constituency Delegates

Published

2 weeks ago

September 17, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government is set to convene the National Youth Confab 2026 in October, with one youth delegate expected from each of Nigeria’s 360 federal constituencies, alongside six representatives of Nigerians in the diaspora and other relevant stakeholders.

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference to herald the National Youth Confab, held at the Press Gallery, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” the two-week engagement will commence with a nationwide virtual consultation, followed by a physical conference in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the Confab is designed to provide young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 with a platform to articulate their concerns, present policy proposals and contribute practical solutions to the challenges confronting the nation.

“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.

Olawande explained that deliberations at the Confab would focus on key areas, including 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.

He emphasised that the initiative was intended to move beyond dialogue to tangible outcomes, stating: “This is an opportunity to listen, engage, cooperate and move from conversation to concrete action.”

The Minister further disclosed that mechanisms, including a Multi-Stakeholder Youth Confab Taskforce, Youth Confab Impact Index, and a youth-led monitoring and accountability framework, would be established to ensure that the outcomes of the Confab are sustained and effectively implemented.

He called on young Nigerians across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the diaspora to participate actively in the process by submitting their 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,” Olawande said.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Chairman of the National Youth Confab Committee, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, described the Confab as an important opportunity to deepen youth participation in national development and ensure that young Nigerians are actively involved in shaping solutions to issues affecting their generation.

She urged young Nigerians and relevant stakeholders to embrace the process and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the objectives of the Confab.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, Otega Ogra, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative and members of the National Youth Confab Committee for accepting the responsibility of translating the President’s vision for young Nigerians into a meaningful national engagement.

Ogra noted that the present 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 young Nigerians to seize the opportunity provided by the Confab to present innovative ideas and practical solutions capable of contributing to the sustainable development of the country.

Share on Facebook

News

Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

Share on Facebook