Renowned youth development expert and former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Sir Ben Duntoye, has called on Nigerian youths to actively engage in the upcoming National Youth Conference being organized by the Federal Government. Duntoye emphasized the significance of the confab, urging young Nigerians to fully utilize the platform to shape the future of the country.
In a press statement released today, Duntoye encouraged all youth groups and stakeholders to ensure that their delegates are not only experienced in youth development but also have strong track records in leadership, and innovation. “The youth representatives must truly reflect the aspirations of their peers and be well-versed in addressing challenges such as unemployment, education, and social justice,” Duntoye stated. He urged groups to nominate young individuals who are passionate and knowledgeable, ensuring that the voices of the youth are adequately heard.
Duntoye who is the President of the Nigeria Youth Workers Association, the umbrella body for Youth Work Practitioners and Professionals in Nigeria, stressed the need for youths to take full ownership of the conference and not approach it with apathy or disillusionment. “This conference is an unprecedented opportunity to secure their future; it is essential that they engage meaningfully,” he advised.
Duntoye further called on the organizers to be meticulous in their selection process, ensuring that credible and competent youth representatives are chosen. He warned that any attempt to trivialize or politicize the conference would undermine its purpose, emphasizing that this should be a genuine effort to drive youth inclusion in national discourse, rather than a mere formality.
Reflecting on his experience as the Head of the Youth Delegation at the 2005 National Political Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference, Duntoye highlighted the importance of ensuring that such initiatives are not merely symbolic but lead to concrete actions and reforms. He implored the conference organizers and the government to ensure that the outcomes of the event are implemented in practice, not just documented.
Duntoye praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for spearheading the initiative, noting that this is the first comprehensive youth-focused conference of its kind in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that it would rekindle a sense of patriotism and hope among young Nigerians, drawing them closer to the administration’s agenda for national unity and development. “This conference is a chance for the youth to come together and articulate the Nigeria they envision,” Duntoye remarked.
Sir Ben Duntoye who also represents Africa in the Board of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA), lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to youth development, adding that Nigeria’s progress and rightful place as the “Giant of Africa” would be determined by how the nation embraces and invests in its youth. He argued that the country cannot achieve its full potential if youth development continues to be neglected.
It is worth recalling that President Tinubu, in his 64th Independence Day address, announced the launch of a 30-day National Youth Conference aimed at uniting young people from all regions of Nigeria. The conference is expected to develop collaborative solutions to key issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The President also stressed that the event would serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, enabling the youth to shape policies that affect their lives.
Duntoye concluded his statement by urging the government to not only fulfill its promise of organizing the conference but to also take tangible steps to implement its recommendations. “It is imperative that the government translates the resolutions of this conference into actionable policies, or else it risks being seen as another futile exercise,” he said.