The federal government has unveiled the registration portal for the upcoming 2025 National Youth Conference, dubbed Youth Confab 2025.
This initiative was announced by Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. He underscored that the conference will be led by youth, non-partisan, and inclusive, aiming to gather young Nigerians from every ward, community, state, and the diaspora to collaboratively envision the nation’s future.
Olawande pointed out that with more than 70% of Nigeria’s population being under 35, the future of the country largely relies on the innovation, energy, and aspirations of its young people. He called for a shift from protest to policy, from challenges to solutions, and from obstacles to progress.
The minister detailed a comprehensive participatory framework for the Confab, which includes virtual engagements for the diaspora, consultations in all 360 federal constituencies, zonal meetings across the six geopolitical zones, and a national conference in Abuja.
He also presented six key thematic pillars to steer discussions: Governance and Political Participation; Economic Transformation and Job Creation; Education and Skills; Technology and Innovation; Climate Change and Energy Transition; and Social Inclusion and Security.
Olawande asserted that the process will be grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and innovation. He invited all young Nigerians—students, entrepreneurs, creatives, artisans, professionals, and diaspora members—to register on the newly launched portal and engage meaningfully.
In a prior statement, Olubunmi Olusanya, chair of the National Planning Committee for the Youth Confab 2025, confirmed the government’s commitment to tapping into the potential of young people through structured dialogue. He remarked that the portal’s launch marks the start of essential activities, such as virtual consultations, policy submissions, constituency dialogues, and zonal consolidations, leading to a National Conference in Abuja.
Olusanya clarified that the Youth Confab format is thoughtfully designed to embrace Nigeria’s diverse youth demographic, focusing on inclusion, respect, and equity. He anticipated that 36,000 youths would participate at the federal constituency level, while 370 delegates would attend zonal meetings. Nigerian youth abroad will also contribute their views via online platforms, turning this into a truly global initiative.
The delegate selection process will be merit-based and transparent, ensuring diverse representation and legitimacy. To encourage intergenerational dialogue, 90% of participants will be aged 18 to 35, with the remaining 10% comprising older Nigerians. A 50:50 gender balance will be upheld, with special provisions for persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
