March 10, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has urged members of the National Youth Conference Planning Committee to be bold in their deliberations, assuring them that his administration will implement the outcomes of their discussions and recommendations for the national conference.
Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of the 44-member committee at the State House, Abuja, Tinubu encouraged the group to be candid in addressing national issues and proposing solutions.
He stated, “Just look me in the face and tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way forward. Be frank. We will implement your suggestions so long as they are for the country’s prosperity.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. The government of today is all about you. You can be critical of politicians and abuse them all you want, but politics is about development and the future of generations. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously. I am glad you are here as a committee to inspire today, tomorrow, and hereafter. I am with you.”
Tinubu emphasised that human capital flight could be reversed by strengthening the economy, implementing grassroots policies that address fundamental needs, and fostering a sense of collective ownership among citizens.
He reiterated that the administration’s ongoing economic reforms are designed to create a prosperous future for Nigerian youths, who constitute over 60 per cent of the population.
“I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you. Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future. When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future. We have cleared the path for you to have a great future.
“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he added.
The President noted that economic indicators now reflect progress, with a decline in the cost of essential goods, particularly food items, and a more stable exchange rate.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well. But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing.
“You have a great opportunity, and I am ready to listen to you. I have heard your spokesperson’s remarks. You have a great chance to contribute to the development of this country. It is all in your hands.
“My position is to help navigate, push, and lift the heavy weight of problems so that I can clear the way for you. You have a great future ahead, and it is in your hands,” he stated.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, expressed gratitude to the President for giving young Nigerians a platform to be heard and assured that the committee represents various stakeholders fairly.
“We want to thank you for the futuristic ideas; more than 260,000 students have already benefited from the administration’s student loan schemes. We appreciate the renovation of the Third Mainland Bridge and the clearing of the passport backlog,” Olawande said.
A committee member, Samson Itodo, described the upcoming conference as a landmark step in integrating youth voices into national development. He highlighted key areas of focus, including political governance, economic transformation, emerging skills like Artificial Intelligence, climate change, energy transition, social cohesion, and security.
He added that the framework for the conference will include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and an Abuja congress.
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