…Says “The Future is Not Something We Wait For, It Is Something We Must Create and Own”
Maryam Aminu
In a bold step toward deepening youth engagement and national development, the Federal Government has officially flagged off the registration process and unveiled the website for the National Youth Conference 2025 (Youth Confab 2025).
Speaking at the press launch, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a “generational turning point” and “a national movement” with the theme: Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future.
“This is more than just a conference,” Olawande stated. “It is a call to action and a platform for us to listen, learn, and lead together.”
Anchored on a participatory and inclusive framework, the Youth Confab 2025 is backed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and promises to bring together young Nigerians from every community, ward, state, and the diaspora.
“With over 70% of our population under the age of 35, Nigeria’s destiny is directly linked to the creativity, energy, and aspirations of her youth,” the Minister noted.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, السنية, emphasized the significance of the launch.
“It is with immense joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this momentous occasion the official launch of the National Youth Conference 2025 portal, marking the formal commencement of this landmark national youth gathering, a journey we are embarking on together,” he stated.
He noted that the Youth Confab is not just another event, but a strategic platform designed to amplify the voices, dreams, and innovative solutions of young Nigerians from every corner of the country.
He described the newly launched portal as more than a website, but a digital gateway that will facilitate seamless delegate registration, virtual consultations, and serve as the primary hub for conference updates and interactions.
“By unveiling this digital gateway, we are opening the door to nationwide participation, collaboration, and bold ideas that will shape the future of our country,” he added.
The chairman expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to youth development, praised the Honourable Minister for his visionary leadership, and thanked all stakeholders and partners supporting the initiative.
The conference will feature a phased structure that includes diaspora virtual engagements, grassroots consultations across the 360 federal constituencies, zonal consolidation meetings across the six geopolitical zones, and a national conference in Abuja where youth-driven policy recommendations will be developed and presented to top government officials.
The confab will address six core thematic areas: governance and leadership, economic transformation and job creation, education and future skills, technology and digital innovation, climate change and energy transition, as well as social inclusion and security.
Olawande emphasized that the Youth Confab is not another talk shop, but a credible and transformative platform that empowers young Nigerians to shape policies and participate meaningfully in the nation’s development.
He also announced the launch of the official website https://nationalyouthconfab.gov.ng – where interested youth can register, contribute, and stay engaged.
“Let us embrace this as a moment of hope and healing a chance to move from protest to policy, from problems to solutions,” he urged. “The future is not something we wait for; it is something we must create and own.”
Both the Minister and the Planning Committee Chairman encouraged students, creatives, entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals, and young Nigerians in the diaspora to seize the opportunity and make the Youth Confab 2025 a defining moment in the nation’s history
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