FG COMMENCES PHYSICAL PHASE OF NATIONAL YOUTH CONFAB 2026, TASKS DELEGATES ON ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

PRESS RELEASE

4TH NOVEMBER, 2026

FG COMMENCES PHYSICAL PHASE OF NATIONAL YOUTH CONFAB 2026, TASKS DELEGATES ON ACTIONABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

The Federal Government has commenced the physical phase of the 2026 National Youth Confab, with the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, charging delegates to develop clear, practical and achievable recommendations that will address challenges confronting young Nigerians and contribute to national development.

Speaking at the
commencement of the physical phase of the Conference, held at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja, under the theme, “Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future,” the Minister described the gathering as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in national development.
He noted that the virtual phase had provided an inclusive platform for young Nigerians across the country, with representation from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, to contribute their perspectives on critical issues, including leadership and governance, employment, education, skills development, technology, climate change, peace, security and national unity.

Olawande explained that the physical phase would enable delegates to critically examine the issues raised during the virtual sessions, identify pressing challenges, assess proposed solutions and develop actionable recommendations to guide government decisions and improve the lives of young Nigerians. He stressed that the Conference must go beyond discussions and produce tangible outcomes that can be translated into policies, programmes and measurable results.

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to advancing youth development through education, skills acquisition, business support, technological advancement and job creation. He also assured delegates of the Ministry’s determination to strengthen existing programmes and partnerships to ensure that the outcomes of the Conference inform youth-focused policies and interventions.

He urged delegates to participate actively, listen to one another, respect divergent opinions and remain focused on developing practical solutions. He further reminded them of their responsibility to millions of young Nigerians who were not physically present at the Conference, emphasising the need to ensure that their deliberations produced recommendations and partnerships capable of delivering lasting impact.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, expressed appreciation to Nigerian youths for their patience, presence, sacrifices and commitment to building a better Nigeria.
She observed that young people are not merely the future of the country but also an integral part of its present, urging delegates to take ownership of the National Youth Confab and translate their deliberations into practical recommendations, stronger partnerships and measurable commitments. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of the Conference translate into concrete actions that promote youth inclusion, national unity, accountability and active participation in governance.

The UNFPA Country Representative, Muriel Mafico, commended the Honourable Minister for his commitment to youth development, describing the National Youth Confab as an important opportunity for young people to take ownership of their future and contribute to shaping Nigeria, Africa and the world.

She underscored the importance of listening to the concerns of young people, particularly on issues relating to unemployment, the rising cost of living, poverty, education, skills development and mental health. She reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting platforms that promote youth participation, amplify young people’s voices and ensure that their priorities are translated into practical solutions, sustainable development initiatives and meaningful outcomes.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, represented by the Clerk of the Senate Committee on Youth Development and Community Engagement, Dr. Ijeoma Chikwem, commended the organisers of the 2026 National Youth Confab for providing a platform for young Nigerians to exchange ideas, strengthen their leadership capacities and contribute to national development.
He emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, skills acquisition and employment creation, urging young people to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation, technology and responsible citizenship. He also called on the government, private sector, civil society organisations and community leaders to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, applauded the Honourable Minister of Youth Development for championing the inclusion of young people in national decision-making.
He described the 2026 National Youth Confab as a historic opportunity for Nigerian youths to contribute to shaping the country’s future. He urged delegates to embrace national unity, mutual understanding and collaboration across ethnic and regional divides.
Ogbuku further encouraged young people to channel their energy, creativity and passion for change towards developing practical solutions and demonstrating their readiness for leadership. He expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the Conference would contribute significantly to building a better Nigeria.

Signed
Omolara Esan
Director, Information and Public Relations