Yiaga Africa, a civil society organization, has expressed concerns over the National Youth Conference announced by President Bola Tinubu. During his Independence Day broadcast, Tinubu revealed that the conference would span 30 days and serve as a platform for young Nigerians to address the challenges they face.
In his announcement, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of youth engagement, stating, “This conference will provide a space for young Nigerians, who make up over 60% of our population, to tackle the issues affecting their lives. By ensuring their voices are heard, we are paving the way for a brighter future.”
The conference aims to foster discussions on key issues like education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. Tinubu added, “The government will actively consider and implement the outcomes of this forum as part of our commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.”
However, Yiaga Africa raised questions about the definition of “youth” in Nigeria. While the National Youth Policy defines youth as individuals between 15 and 29 years old, the African Youth Charter extends the age range to 18-35 years. Yiaga called for the government to clarify this distinction to prevent potential misrepresentation at the conference.
“President Tinubu has introduced a National Youth Conference to empower young people in governance and the economy. The crucial question is: who qualifies as a youth? It’s important to have a clear definition to ensure the right voices are represented,” Yiaga said on its X handle.
The organization urged the government to address this issue to ensure that the conference truly reflects the needs and aspirations of Nigeria’s youth.
