The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the request to convene a National Youth Conference focused on addressing the critical challenges facing Nigerian youths.
The President had in his independence day address announced the gathering of a National Youth Conference, saying it would be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting the young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population.
NYCN President, Amb Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, while reacting, said the initiative marked a significant milestone in promoting youth engagement and empowerment within the nation.
He said the NYCN believed that the Conference would serve as a pivotal platform for identifying the myriad challenges facing young people and for proposing viable solutions.
Sukubo stressed that it was 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
He said: “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 youth body, however, warned against any attempts by the federal government to exploit this initiative for political purposes or divert it from its original intent.
It maintained that 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,” he added.