NYCN Urges Tinubu to safeguard Confab against hijack
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the request to convene a National Youth Conference aimed at addressing the critical challenges facing Nigerian youth. Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, President, National Youth Council of Nigeria told Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that the conference marks a significant milestone […]
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The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the request to convene a National Youth Conference aimed at addressing the critical challenges facing Nigerian youth.
Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, President, National Youth Council of Nigeria told Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that the conference marks a significant milestone in promoting youth engagement and empowerment within our nation and highlighting the government’s acknowledgment of the essential role young people play in shaping Nigeria’s future.
He also said the demand for a National Youth Conference has been a focal point for the NYCN during various engagements, particularly during the #EndBadGovernance protests, a protest that underscored the frustrations, hopes, and aspirations of young Nigerians, revealing the urgent need for a structured platform where their voices could be heard.
Following President Tinubu’s address on Tuesday during the nationwide celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence, the NYCN President conveyed the collective excitement among young people regarding the announced National Youth Conference.
The Apex Youth body emphasized the importance of this gathering while also urging the Federal Government to ensure that it is not hijacked for political purposes.
In his independence address, President Tinubu affirmed, “, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population. It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.”
The call for a National Youth Conference was reiterated during the NYCN’s visit to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, on July 25 in Abuja, followed by a virtual meeting the next day. The NYCN’s stance was also articulated in an eight-point demand paper that garnered significant media coverage across the nation. During a Youth Stakeholders meeting at the National Assembly, NYCN Deputy President Amb. Innocent Nduaya further emphasized the importance of the conference.
Also the NYCN has communicated with key government officials, including a letter to the National Security Adviser, Mal Nuhu Ribadu, dated July 27, and an International Youth Day press release issued on August 11, urging the current administration to organizing this critical dialogue.
The significance of this conference cannot be overstated. It offers Nigerian youth a vital opportunity to voice their grievances, propose actionable solutions, and actively participate in the governance process.
The NYCN firmly believes that this gathering will empower young people to articulate their views on issues that directly affect their lives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the policies that govern them.
The NYCN also warned against any attempts by the Federal Government to exploit this initiative for political purposes or divert it from its original intent. “The Federal Government and the Ministry of Youth Development must ensure that this initiative is not compromised. It is vital for the conference to focus on the needs and concerns of the youth, without being influenced by external political agendas. Maintaining the integrity of this platform is essential to effectively addressing the challenges faced by young Nigerians.
“The NYCN believes that the National Youth Conference will serve as a pivotal platform for identifying the myriad challenges facing young people and for proposing viable solutions. It is vital that the government actively considers and implements the recommendations arising from this forum, as these insights reflect the aspirations and voices of Nigeria’s youth.”