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Youth Leaders Hail Tinubu’s National Youth Conference Initiative as Game-Changer

Kehinde Fajobi

The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council Worldwide (NENYLCW) has praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to convene a national youth conference, calling it a “phenomenal” step towards addressing the concerns of young people across the nation.

President Tinubu announced the 30-day conference during his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, 2024, as part of Nigeria’s 64th-anniversary celebrations. He emphasised that the confab would ensure youth voices are heard, with recommendations implemented by his administration.

“I am pleased to announce a gathering of the National Youths Conference,” Tinubu said. “This conference platform will address diverse challenges affecting our young people.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, signed by President General Comrade Terry Obieh, Vice President Comrade Balarabe Rufai, and National Publicity Secretary Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the NENYLCW leadership applauded the initiative as a clear sign of President Tinubu’s commitment to the country’s future.

The youth leaders highlighted that their earlier request for a national dialogue involving youths from various ethnic nationalities had been answered by the President himself, indicating the seriousness with which the government views the matter.

“We are glad that Mr President made this announcement himself, a clear indication that the government takes it very seriously,” the statement read.

“We salute the President for his resilience to chart a good way for the country. During the August protest, we insisted that dialogue was the way to go and not hitting the streets. We are glad that Mr President has opened a further window of dialogue with the youths.”

The group urged that the conference not be politicized, emphasizing the need for genuine solutions.

“We appeal that the confab should not be politicized but put in place in such a way that the intended outcome would be achieved.”

Expressing their support for the administration, the youth leaders reassured President Tinubu of their continued backing, stating, “We shall continue to support his government which we are certain means well for the country.”

As part of their Independence Day message, the group also called on Nigerians to maintain faith in the nation. Despite the challenges, they highlighted the progress achieved since independence and the country’s return to democracy in 1999.

“There is no doubt that the country is experiencing challenges and has passed through tortuous years of military dictatorship, but there is always light at the end of every tunnel,” the statement added.

“The uninterrupted democracy is a huge gain that should not be taken for granted.”

They concluded by expressing confidence in the current administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s economic and security issues, urging citizens to stay resilient and hopeful for a brighter future.