The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the upcoming National Youth Conference 2025 will be youth-led, inclusive, and non-partisan.
The event is expected to serve as a platform for young Nigerians to influence national policy and development directly.
With the theme, ‘Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,’ the conference will focus on key youth-related issues such as unemployment, education, healthcare, and political participation.
The announcement was made on Monday during a joint press briefing in Abuja attended by major stakeholders.
These included the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Olubunmi Olusanya; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola; NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; and Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong.
Minister Olawande announced the opening of the registration portal, which will close on June 30, encouraging young Nigerians to register and make their voices heard.
“This is more than just a conference. It is a generational turning point, a national movement, and a call to action. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the youth confab 2025 will be inclusive, non-partisan, and youth-led,” he said.
He further stressed the government’s intention to produce lasting change through the event.
“We are not rushing this process. Our aim is to create a lasting impact, moving beyond social media debates and financial inclusion discussions. We are committed to comprehensive youth reform,” he added.
Also speaking, Hon. Olubunmi Olusanya, head of the National Planning Committee, framed the initiative as a productive response to the challenges young people face.
“When individuals are unable to express their grievances, frustration ensues. This platform is about transforming that frustration into action,” he stated.
While acknowledging the lack of a formal budget at present, Olusanya noted ongoing efforts to raise funding.
“We are proceeding with faith, guided by the grace of God and the spirit of this ministry,” he remarked.
Rinsola Abiola, the President’s aide on Citizenship and Leadership, assured the public that all youth demographics would be welcomed and represented.
“No young person will be excluded on the basis of creed, ability, gender, or faith. Everyone is welcome,” she said.
From the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku called attention to the importance of redirecting youth engagement toward constructive dialogue.
“We aim to redirect the energy currently spent on social media towards this platform. The government is ready to listen and act,” he stated.
Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong emphasized the demographic power of Nigerian youth and the transformative potential of their mobilization.
“If we can mobilise this demographic effectively, no country will surpass us in GDP or progress. This is a historic opportunity,” he declared.
He also pointed to legislative support, saying:
“We are committed to implementing the results. This initiative is historic and will be a significant milestone under President Tinubu’s leadership.”
The 2025 National Youth Conference is set to host 36,000 participants from all 360 federal constituencies.
Its hybrid format will include both online consultations and in-person deliberations.
Final resolutions will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council and National Assembly for action and possible integration into future legislation or policy.
