The Federal Government has declared the National Youth Confab 2026 open, charging young Nigerians to move beyond conversations and develop practical solutions to the challenges confronting them while contributing meaningfully to national development.
Declaring the Confab open at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Auditorium, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the gathering as more than a conference, but an important platform for young Nigerians to exchange ideas, examine opportunities and challenges, and contribute to shaping policies and programmes that affect their lives.
Comrade Olawande said young Nigerians remain one of the country’s greatest assets, noting their contributions to entrepreneurship, technology, the creative economy, civic engagement, innovation and community development.
He called on delegates to go beyond identifying problems and develop realistic recommendations, partnerships and measurable actions capable of translating discussions into stronger programmes, improved access to opportunities and greater accountability.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, emphasised the importance of meaningful youth participation in national development, while the DG NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Olaseye Nafiu, commended the Federal Government for convening the Confab.
The DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, highlighted the application of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in capturing, analysing and categorising the ideas and concerns of young Nigerians at the Confab.
Other speakers, including Dr. Hardwick Tchale of the World Bank, Prof. Magdalene Igbolo of the University of Abuja, Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari, and NANS President Dist. Comr.
Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, stressed the importance of meaningful youth participation and translating the outcomes of the Confab into practical actions, policies and programmes that improve the lives of young Nigerians.
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