From Seun Adams
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has concluded plans to host the first ever National Youth Conference in Nigeria from Monday November 1, in Abuja.
According to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, the conference which will hold from Monday to Wednesday is slated at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The conference, he admitted, is coming on the heels of robust collaboration and engagement with Who’s Who in Nigeria’s Corporate world and private sector players.
While underscoring the role of the youth in nation building, he added that the 3 days meeting is premised on the realization that Nigeria needs her youth, not only to be supported and developed but also to understand the dimension of political developments, grasp national issues and consciously position themselves as co-builders in the socio-economic growth of the country.
Dare, said this convergence offers opportunity for the government, private sector players and the youths to brainstorm on diverse and urgent issues confronting the youth and tugging at the very heart of the nation in line with the policy thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration.
He added that the objective of the Conference will be to explore critical issues in the agitation for more inclusive youth policies and also create the structure and system for youth to participate and thrive regardless of the sector they choose to play in – politics, governance, technology and creativity.
Dare stated further that, the conference which is a hybrid of physical and virtual meetings with the theme: Energizing the youth for Development: Inclusiveness, Governance, Security and Employment is expected to host over 370 delegates from all the 36 States of the Federation including the FCT, chosen to reflect gender disparities, diverse educational levels and professions.Over 10,000 youth are also expected to hook up and participate in the conference for more inclusiveness, already about 6,000 youth have registered to participate virtually
