Federal Government Urges Youth Conference Delegates to Propose Solutions for Challenges

The Federal Government has called on delegates at the 2026 National Youth Conference to come up with practical solutions to problems like unemployment, poverty, and insecurity affecting young Nigerians. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made this appeal on Wednesday during the opening of the conference at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” follows virtual discussions that included input from young people across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Olawande noted that this in-person phase is a chance to turn those discussions into real proposals that could shape government policies.

During his speech, Olawande emphasized the need for delegates to carefully review the issues raised in earlier discussions and pinpoint the most urgent challenges. He urged them to develop clear action plans that can lead to real improvements in the lives of young Nigerians.

Olawande highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s government is committed to creating more opportunities for youth through education, job creation, and support for businesses. However, he stressed that government efforts must be paired with active youth participation in decision-making processes.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, encouraged delegates to take ownership of the conference and ensure their discussions lead to actionable recommendations. She recognized the vital role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Muriel Mafico, the United Nations Population Fund Country Representative, also spoke at the event, urging young Nigerians to focus on crafting solutions rather than just making speeches. She pointed out that recent surveys show young people are particularly concerned about unemployment, rising living costs, and education.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, represented by Dr. Ijeoma Chikwem, praised the conference as a valuable platform for young Nigerians to share ideas and develop their leadership skills. He called for more investment in youth empowerment and collaboration among various sectors to create a supportive environment for young people.