*Abuja*
The Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling youth structures across the continent, with a focus on strengthening representation, inclusivity and accountability.
Speaking at the West African Regional Consultation on Youth Reform held Friday in Abuja, PYU President, Mr. Moumouni Dialla, said the meeting was part of a coordinated effort to redesign youth engagement frameworks in Africa.
“We observed that our youth structures must be stronger, more inclusive and more representative. That is why we began these regional consultations, and West Africa chose Nigeria as host,” Dialla said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for their support, adding that “being here feels like being in our own country.”
Dialla noted that the consultation agreed on the need for a uniform model to guide how youth bodies operate continent-wide. “These recommendations will help us communicate to the African Union what young people need, the challenges they face and the solutions we are proposing,” he added.
On rising insecurity, the PYU President stressed that young Africans remain deeply concerned about its effect on development. “We cannot develop with instability. We must mobilise young people around peace and security,” he said.
PYU Vice President for West Africa, Oladele John, presented the official declaration adopted at the meeting. He said the document outlines key reforms, including stronger legal recognition for youth bodies, improved governance standards and clearer operational guidelines.
“The declaration sets out how youth platforms should function and how the PYU will support them in aligning with Agenda 2063 and the African Youth Charter. We resolved to harmonise structures so our efforts are clearer and more effective across the continent,” John said, while also appreciating the Federal Government’s commitment to youth development.
Ms. Angelique Juliette of the Seychelles National Youth Council highlighted the importance of cross-regional engagement, particularly in understanding gender and empowerment challenges.
“In Seychelles, gender is not a major struggle, but being here has helped me understand what other regions face. If we want to unify Africa, we must see through the eyes of our brothers and sisters and appreciate their realities,” she said.
Juliette praised Nigeria’s hospitality, noting that the four-day consultation enhanced collaboration and mutual learning among participants. “Such exposure is essential if we hope to strengthen cooperation, empathy and a shared vision for Africa’s progress,” she added.
The consultation brought together youth leaders from across West Africa to review gaps in existing youth platforms and propose a continental framework to guide future engagement.
