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.