Business
WHAT WILL BE THE GAINS OF THE PROPOSED NATIONAL YOUTHS CONFAB? by DARE ADELEKAN
WHAT WILL BE THE GAINS OF THE PROPOSED NATIONAL YOUTHS CONFAB? by DARE ADELEKAN
Nigeria has indeed witnessed a plethora of conferences, workshops, and seminars aimed at addressing key national issues, yet tangible outcomes have often been elusive. From constitutional conferences to economic summits and youth dialogues, the recurring pattern has been heavy on discussions but light on actionable results. This persistent trend raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of such gatherings, particularly when the country faces pressing challenges that require immediate and impactful solutions.
Over the years, Nigeria has held at least four major constitutional conferences, each touted as a transformative opportunity to reshape the nation’s governance structure and address systemic problems like federalism, resource control, and ethnic tensions. However, despite the high expectations and the significant financial and intellectual resources invested in these conferences, little has changed on the ground. The outcomes of these forums have either been shelved, selectively implemented, or watered down by political interests, leaving the nation in a perpetual state of stagnation on crucial reforms.
The recently announced National Youth Conference by President Bola Tinubu risks following this same path. While it is framed as an inclusive platform to engage Nigerian youth, who make up about 60% of the population, there is widespread skepticism about its potential to yield meaningful results. Critics argue that it could become yet another exercise in political patronage, serving primarily to empower a select group of youths aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than addressing the real concerns and aspirations of the broader youth demographic.
The core problem is not the concept of convening stakeholders to discuss national issues; rather, it is the lack of political will to follow through on the outcomes of these dialogues. Nigerian youth, who form the majority of the population, face immense challenges ranging from unemployment and insecurity to lack of access to quality education and healthcare. These are well-documented issues, and the government does not necessarily need another conference to understand the gravity of the situation. The solutions are clear: job creation, skill development, political inclusion, and investment in infrastructure and social services. What is missing is the commitment to implement these solutions in a way that directly benefits the youth and catalyzes national development.
Moreover, the argument can be made that the government should focus more on action-oriented programs and policies that immediately address the needs of the youth, rather than endless discussions. For instance, strengthening existing youth empowerment schemes, improving access to education, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an enabling environment for job creation are all practical steps that can be taken without the need for another round of conferences.
The economic implications of holding such conferences are also worth considering. The resources required to organize these events—funds that could otherwise be channeled into productive youth-centered initiatives—are significant. Given the country’s current fiscal constraints, exacerbated by dwindling revenues and rising debt, it is even more crucial for the government to prioritize spending on projects that yield immediate and measurable benefits to the population, particularly the youth.
Finally, one cannot ignore the perception problem. Many young Nigerians have grown disillusioned with government-organized events, which they view as mere public relations exercises that do little to improve their lives. In a country where youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, and where many feel excluded from political processes, another conference may be seen as an attempt to placate rather than empower. This could further alienate the youth from the political system, increasing their frustration and potentially leading to social unrest.
In conclusion, while dialogue and consultation are important in a democracy, they should not be used as substitutes for action. Nigeria’s government, under President Tinubu, must recognize that the youth population needs more than just promises and discussions. They need concrete policies that will create jobs, improve education, and provide security. The time for action is now, and continuing to hold conferences without any tangible outcomes only erodes public trust and wastes valuable resources. The government must prioritize real, measurable change that addresses the immediate needs of the youth and the broader Nigerian society.
Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation opens applications for 6th Cohort Programme
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the sixth cohort of its transformative AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP).
This flagship six-month executive education initiative, delivered by the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, is designed to empower high-potential public sector leaders across Africa with the tools, networks, and strategic insight required to deliver meaningful reform across African public institutions.
Applications are now open to qualified public servants from all English-speaking African countries and will close on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The programme commences in October 2026.
Since its inception in 2021, the AIG PLP has built a formidable reputation for creating tangible impact.
Alumni from the programme have gone on to design and implement more than 230 reform projects within their ministries, departments, and agencies across Africa.
An impact survey revealed that 62% of alumni have earned promotions or assumed expanded leadership roles post-training, demonstrating the programme’s direct effect on career advancement and institutional influence.
“Across Africa, the complexity of public sector challenges demands more than good intentions. It requires reformers who understand systems, can navigate institutional realities, and are equipped to implement sustainable change.
The AIG PLP is designed to meet this need,” said Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice-Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.
As part of the programme, a PLP alumna, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of Lagos State DSVA, launched a secure self-reporting tool that allows survivors of domestic and sexual abuse safely document incidents and preserve evidence.
Survivors are already accessing support, and the tool ensures that crucial proof is protected until justice can be sought. This is one of over 230 impactful reform projects being implemented across sectors as diverse as healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education.
We are seeing proof every day that investing in the capacity and leadership potential of people, delivers the kind of transformation that policy alone cannot achieve.”
The AIG PLP is a blended learning experience that combines online sessions with an intensive residential module.
It is offered at no cost to selected participants, with the Foundation covering all costs of the programme including accommodation and feeding during the residential weeks.
Participants gain direct access to world-class faculty from the University of Oxford, and learn to tackle core public sector challenges such as: Negotiating in the public interest. Harnessing digital technology for governance.
Strengthening public organisations.
Upholding integrity in public life.
The curriculum culminates in a capstone reform project, where participants apply their new skills to a real-world challenge within their institution.
This practical component ensures that learning translates directly into actionable solutions.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. For more details on the application process and to apply, please visit the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation website.
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Inspect RHA Secretariat
Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by its Director-General and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, alongside Zonal Coordinators (NW, NC, SE), the Media & Publicity Directorate, and other key stakeholders, inspected the RHA Secretariat two days after President Bola Tinubu unveiled the Renewed Hope Ambassadors grassroots engagement drive in Abuja.
Harmony Gardens’ Ibeju-Lekki Portfolio Crosses $1bn
Harmony Garden & Estate Development Limited has expanded its development activities across Ibeju-Lekki, pushing the projected long-term value of its estate portfolio beyond $1 billion.
Led by Chief Executive Officer Hon. Dr. Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa, popularly know Saheed Ibile, the company is developing seven estates within the Lekki–Ibeju corridor. Details available on Harmony Garden & Estate Development show a portfolio spanning land assets and ongoing residential construction across key growth locations.
A major component is Lekki Aviation Town, where urban living meets neighborhood charm, located near the proposed Lekki International Airport and valued internally at over $250 million. The development forms part of the company’s broader phased expansion strategy within the axis.
Other estates in the corridor tagged as the “Citadel of Joy” (Ogba-idunnu) include Granville Estate, Majestic Bay Estate, The Parliament Phase I & II, and Harmony Casa Phase I & II.
With multiple projects active, the rollout of the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System, and structured expansion underway, Harmony Garden & Estate Development Ltd continues to deepen its presence within the fast-growing Ibeju-Lekki real estate market.
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