President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to freely express their views on national issues and offer alternative solutions when they disagree with government policies.
The president made the call on Friday as he announced the opening of the National Youth Confab 2026, saying young Nigerians should have a meaningful role in shaping decisions that affect their lives and the future of the country.
In a statement posted on his X account on Friday, the president said the confab was designed to give youths an opportunity to contribute beyond simply participating in discussions, with their experiences and ambitions expected to inform conversations on national development.
He encouraged participants to raise concerns about government policies and provide practical alternatives where they hold different views.
The president also said the government would listen to recommendations from the engagement and act on proposals considered worthy of implementation.
As part of the confab, virtual consultations will continue for two weeks, allowing young Nigerians to participate from anywhere, including those living in the diaspora.
Tinubu said he looked forward to receiving recommendations from the consultations and giving them serious consideration as part of efforts to shape the country’s future.
He wrote, “Today, we open the National Youth Confab 2026 @Youthconfab2026. The message to every young Nigerian is this: Our dear country believes in you and in what you can do for its future.
“When I proposed this Confab, I wanted young Nigerians to have more than a seat in the room. Your experience and ambition should help shape the decisions that affect your lives.
“Say what you think. Where you disagree with us, say so, and bring the alternative with you. Our job as a government is to listen and act on what deserves action.
“The virtual consultations run for the next two weeks and are open to you wherever you are, at home or in the diaspora.
“I look forward to receiving your recommendations and giving them the serious consideration they deserve.
“God bless every Nigerian Youth. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
