The Federal Government will host a National Youth Conference in the first quarter of 2025 as part of its efforts to promote youth inclusiveness and development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced in his New Year address to the nation on Wednesday.
Describing the conference as a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for empowering the nation’s youth, Tinubu emphasized that it reflects his commitment to harnessing the potential of young Nigerians as key contributors to nation-building.
“The Ministry of Youth will soon outline the modalities for selecting representatives from our vibrant and diverse youth population,” Tinubu stated, adding that the conference aims to foster dialogue and collaboration across various sectors of the country.
The president also used the opportunity to rally state governors and local government chairpersons to support federal initiatives in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms. He stressed that intergovernmental collaboration remains vital for Nigeria’s progress.
“I commend the governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport systems,” Tinubu said. “I also applaud those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The federal government will always offer necessary support to states to ensure these efforts succeed.”
Acknowledging the economic and social sacrifices made by Nigerians during the past 19 months of his administration, Tinubu reassured citizens of his commitment to delivering lasting benefits.
“To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain in the months ahead. Together, let us remain steadfast in the journey of nation-building,” he said.
In addition to the youth conference, Tinubu announced plans to unveil a National Values Charter in early 2025. This initiative, according to the president, will promote patriotism and unity by fostering a renewed sense of national identity among Nigerians.
The announcement of these initiatives signals a renewed focus on addressing pressing national challenges while engaging critical stakeholders, particularly the youth, in shaping Nigeria’s future.
The National Youth Conference is expected to provide a platform for young Nigerians to voice their concerns, exchange ideas, and contribute to the formulation of policies aimed at addressing issues such as unemployment, education, and entrepreneurship.
Observers believe that the forthcoming conference and the proposed National Values Charter demonstrate the administration’s intention to bridge the gap between governance and the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians, particularly the youth, who make up a significant portion of the population.
