L-R: Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON; Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, and the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Reps), Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart at the closing ceremony of the National Youth Conference at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
WorldStage— Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said he is proud of Nigerian youth for being full of ideas, ambition, and determination to build a better country.
The President, in his address at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Youth Conference (Youth Confab) in Abuja on Monday, said he was speaking with a renewed sense of hope and confidence in the future of the nation.
President Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said over the past few days, the youth have gathered from different parts of Nigeria, and from beyond its shores, to discuss the future of the country.
He said, “I have followed the proceedings of this Conference with keen interest. And I must tell you that I am particularly pleased with the enthusiasm, the quality of ideas, the courage and the sense of responsibility demonstrated by young Nigerians throughout these engagements.
“You have spoken with passion. You have raised important questions. You have challenged existing approaches and offered fresh solutions.
“Above all, you have demonstrated that the young people of Nigeria are not short of ideas, ambition or the determination to build a better country. I am proud of you.”
While commending the Federal Ministry of Youth Development under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, President Tinubu congratulated the young Nigerians who participated in the virtual consultations and the delegates who took part in the physical deliberations.
“Your enthusiasm, thoughtful contributions and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue have reinforced my conviction that Nigeria’s young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow.
“You are important partners in shaping the Nigeria of today. My dear young Nigerians, when we conceived this National Youth Conference, our intention was clear,” he said.
The President noted that the government wanted to create a national platform where young Nigerians could speak freely, engage constructively and contribute directly to the decisions that shape their future.
“We did not convene this Conference simply to listen to speeches or produce another document. We convened it because the future of Nigeria cannot be discussed without the young people who will inherit it, and I am happy that you have justified the confidence we placed in you.
“Let me assure you today that your voices have been heard. Your concerns matter. Your aspirations matter. Your recommendations will receive the serious attention they deserve,” he said.
President Tinubu stated that he understands the challenges confronting young people, adding that he was aware that many of them are concerned about employment, the cost of living, access to education, opportunities to start businesses and the security of your communities.
He partly said, “I also understand your desire for a country where hard work is rewarded, talent is recognised and opportunities are not determined by who you know or where you come from. These are legitimate expectations. They are expectations that government has a responsibility to address.
“You deserve to see the opportunities of tomorrow becoming realities in your lives. That is why we are investing in education, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the Three Million Technical Talent program, the YouthCred, the Nigerian Youth Academy and other initiatives, we are working to remove barriers and open new pathways for young Nigerians.
“And we will do more. We will ensure that training leads to opportunities. That innovation attracts investment. That young entrepreneurs can continue to access finance, and that a young Nigerian with talent and determination can succeed, regardless of background or location.”
While declaring that he does not want the recommendations of the confab to become “another report gathering dust on government shelves,” the President stated that he wants them to become “a guide for action.”
President Tinubu said, “I therefore direct the Honourable Minister of Youth Development to work with relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), state governments, the private sector and development partners to translate the outcomes of this conference into a practical implementation framework.
“That framework must identify clear priorities, assign responsibilities, establish realistic timelines and provide measurable indicators of progress. I also expect young people to remain actively involved in the implementation and monitoring process.”
He added, “You must not be invited to the table only when decisions are being discussed. You must also have a place at the table when those decisions are being implemented.
“Our commitment must extend to young women, persons with disabilities, young people in rural communities and those whose circumstances have too often limited their opportunities. No young Nigerian should be left behind.”
