President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated the National Youth Confab Planning Committee at the State House, Abuja. The committee, chaired by Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, will oversee the 30-day youth conference announced in Tinubu’s last Independence Day address.
Tinubu urged the committee to focus on technology and agriculture to achieve food security and economic growth. He emphasized the importance of youth involvement in shaping Nigeria’s future, highlighting their role as 60% of the country’s population.
“Look at me in the face and tell me where you think we are going wrong. We will implement solutions that promote national prosperity,” Tinubu said. He assured the committee of his administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria but stressed that youth participation was essential.
Addressing the issue of youth migration (“Japa”), Tinubu attributed it to a lack of investment opportunities. He encouraged young Nigerians to stay and contribute to national development, promising government support in creating a better future.
The President also reassured the committee of a favorable environment for discussions, removing obstacles to youth engagement. He emphasized that politics should focus on development and the future generation.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that the conference aims to strengthen youth participation in governance and economic growth. He called for collaboration to ensure the initiative leads to meaningful policy changes.
Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic progress, stating that investor confidence was improving and that young people had a significant opportunity to drive national development. “You hold the future in your hands. My job is to help navigate and lift the heavy weight,” he concluded.
