By our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has on Monday unveiled the planning committee of the National Youth Confab at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
The Committee is to be chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya.
The inauguration is coming five months after Tinubu, in his last Independence Day broadcast, announced plans for a 30-day national youth confab to address critical issues facing the country’s youths.
At the ceremony, the President tasked the youths to seize the opportunity to redefine the fortunes of millions of their counterparts across the nation.
Tinubu urged the planning committee to priotise discussions on technology and agriculture to achieve food sovereignty for the country.
He emphasised their crucial role in Nigeria’s success, asking them to voice their concerns and ideas.
“Look at me in the face tell me where you think it is wrong and the way it is done or suggestions, we will try to implement all of it as long as it is the prosperity of this country,” Tinubu told the new committee members.
The President assured them that although his administration is dedicated to improving Nigeria, it cannot do so without the youths who represents over 60 per cent of the nation’s population.
He stated, “Politics is about development and the future generation.
“I am glad you all are here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow and a day after.
“I reassure you that you are the hope of this country. Every decision taken is about you.”
Tinubu continued, “JAPA is due to lack of investments. This is your home and the government of the day is all about you. Take it very seriously.
“Let us employ technology, let’s see what you can empower youths lets work for food sovereignty. You represent over 60 percent of our population. You are the heart beat of our nation and I hope you take this opportunity very seriously.
“Mine is to assure you that we will do everything to make Nigeria a better place for you but we can’t do it alone.”
The President reassured the youths of his support, calling for thorough collaboration and feedback.
He promised to facilitate an environment conducive to the confab by removing obstacles.
The aim is to promote youth inclusiveness and recognise their role as vital nation builders, said Tinubu.
“I am with you when we started it like so foggy, hopeless and… We were drawing water from the well.
“Today the economy is turning the corner. Prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking in, you have the opportunity.
“You have the great opportunity of advancing the economy of this country. It’s all in your hands. Mine is to help navigate and push and lift the heavy weight,” he stated.
In his remarks the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the confab will be convoked to promote youth engagement.
Olawande said the committee members are carefully selected as representatives were drawn from Federal Ministryof Finance, other related Federal Ministries, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations the World Bank, amongst many others.
A lead member of the youth confab planning committee and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, lauded the President’s initiative to convene a youth conference.
Itodo said the 30-day National youth Confab will be segmented into virtual consultations, regional meetings and youths will converge on Abuja for a one-week conference.
However, he warned the FG against a political hijack, asking that the confab remain insulated from politics.
Other members of the planning committee are Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Dr Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, Hauwa Ibrahim, Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe, Uchechukwu George Egbe, Samson Itodo amongst others.
The planning committee also comprises representatives of the Ministry of Finance, World Bank, among others.
