The Federal Government has announced plans to convene the National Youth Confab 2026 this October, bringing together youth delegates from across all 360 federal constituencies in Nigeria, alongside representatives from the diaspora and key stakeholders.
The initiative was jointly disclosed on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during a press briefing held at the Press Gallery in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The two-week engagement, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” will kick off with a nationwide virtual consultation before culminating in a physical conference in Abuja.
Designed specifically for young Nigerians aged 18 to 35, the Confab aims to offer a robust platform for youths to voice their concerns, pitch policy proposals, and put forward practical solutions to national challenges.
“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,” Olawande stated, emphasising the need to transition from dialogue to execution. “This is an opportunity to listen, engage, cooperate and move from conversation to concrete action.”
Discussions during the event will centre on critical thematic areas such as 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.
To guarantee that outcomes are sustained and effectively implemented, the government will institute monitoring mechanisms, including a Multi-Stakeholder Youth Confab Taskforce, a Youth Confab Impact Index, and a youth-led monitoring and accountability framework.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the National Youth Confab Committee, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a vital stride in deepening youth involvement in national development. Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, Otega Ogra, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for youth empowerment, urging young citizens to seize the opportunity to present innovative ideas.
Young Nigerians across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the diaspora have been invited to participate actively by submitting their proposals and experiences as the government prepares to shape the country’s future.
