By Bello Wakili
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerian youths that recommendations from the 2026 National Youth Conference will receive serious government attention and be translated into practical actions to address their concerns and improve opportunities.
The President gave the assurance at the closing ceremony of the Conference in Abuja, where he was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
President Tinubu said the Conference was organised to provide young Nigerians with a platform to contribute directly to decisions affecting their future, adding that their ideas, aspirations and concerns had been heard.
He acknowledged the challenges facing young people, particularly unemployment, rising cost of living, access to education, entrepreneurship and community security, assuring them that his administration was committed to addressing these issues through its Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Three Million Technical Talent Programme, YouthCred and Nigerian Youth Academy as part of efforts to expand access to education, skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He directed the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, to collaborate with relevant government agencies, state governments, the private sector and development partners to develop an implementation framework for the Conference recommendations, with clear priorities, timelines and measurable outcomes.
President Tinubu also emphasised the need for young people to participate in implementing and monitoring the recommendations, stressing that their involvement should not end with discussions and policy formulation.
He urged Nigerian youths to promote national unity, responsible leadership and democratic participation, irrespective of ethnic, religious and political differences, while assuring them of his administration’s continued commitment to building a country where every young person has equal opportunities to succeed.
The President formally declared the 2026 National Youth Conference closed, describing it as the beginning of a stronger partnership between government and young Nigerians.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
