PRESS STATEMENT BY CHRISTOPHER OLUSA
Youth Advocate, World Record Holder in Speech, Diana Award Recipient, and Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Youth Network
Is this the beginning of a new dawn for Nigerian youth?
The announcement of a 30-day Youth Conference by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the #EndBadGovernance protests, presents a significant opportunity to redefine the trajectory of youth involvement in governance and nation-building.
The bold promise of three weeks of grassroots engagement leading to a one-week convergence in Abuja is commendable, as it aims to bring the voices of young Nigerians to the forefront. However, critical questions must be asked to ensure this initiative achieves its potential and does not fall into the trap of becoming yet another symbolic gesture.
First, we must emphasize that this conference should not mirror the shortcomings of the 2014 National Conference, which was dominated by government-aligned leaders and failed to address the needs of the average Nigerian. Instead, this platform must focus on empowering peer-group leaders, grassroots advocates, and everyday young Nigerians who live the realities of our systemic challenges.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, deserves recognition for his stated intent to make this conference different. Yet, beyond the rhetoric, the mechanics of delegate selection must be transparent and inclusive. How will the government ensure that voices from the 774 local government areas are represented? What criteria will be used to balance formal and informal youth leaders, and how will gender and Persons With Disabilities (PWD) be considered? These questions need clear, public answers.
This conference is supposed to be a new hope for the average Nigerian youth. It must address pressing issues like employment opportunities, quality education, improved living standards, and increased youth representation in governance.
The expectations are high, and the government must prepare meticulously to meet them. February is around the corner, and proactive measures must already be underway to ensure this effort does not become another missed opportunity.
It is essential that the concept and objectives of this conference are sharply defined. The solutions proposed must be actionable, realistic, and followed through with the urgency they deserve. The voices of young Nigerians from the most remote areas of the country must be heard, not just those with access to the corridors of power. We need a conference that focuses on what Nigerian youth need, not what the government thinks we want to hear.
To my fellow young Nigerians, this is our time to rise above apathy and skepticism. Those selected as delegates must see this as more than a ceremonial role. This is not the time to massage egos or flatter those in power. We must approach this with boldness, clarity, and a shared determination to effect meaningful change.
This initiative is a welcome development. However, it must be guided by firm recommendations and executed with sincerity. The youth are watching, and the success of this effort hinges on the government’s ability to prove that it is serious about engaging with young people beyond lip service.
To the youths, this is our moment to let our voices be heard—loudly and unambiguously. The platform is being offered, and we must rise to the occasion with one voice: Soro Soke!
Christopher Olusa
Youth Advocate, World Record Holder in Speech; Diana Award Recipient &
Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Youth Network
