President Bola Tinubu's announcement during his October 1 Independence Day speech to organize a 30-day national youth conference, a wave of skepticism has emerged among Nigerians.
Critics argue that this initiative is less about addressing the genuine concerns of the youth and more about diverting attention from the administration's failed policies.
The proposed youth conference, as outlined by President Tinubu, aims to engage young Nigerians in meaningful dialogue to address their challenges and shape future policies. However, many see it as a strategic move to secure youth support for the 2027 presidential election.
As noted by Ikechukwu Onodi, a lawyer and public affairs commentator, the conference is perceived as a "diversionary and settlement tactic" designed to distract from ongoing issues of "looting and bad governance."
This skepticism is not isolated. The Voters Rights Association of Nigeria (VRAN) has labeled the conference a "national jamboree," suggesting it serves as a means for political elites to misuse funds saved from the fuel subsidy removal.
Jezie Ekejiuba, VRAN's president, argues that the government does not need another conference to understand youth challenges, pointing to recent protests like #EndBadGovernance as clear indicators of the issues at hand.
While some voices, such as Alhaji Yerim Shettima of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, commend the initiative for its potential to engage youth positively, there is a prevailing concern about the lack of implementation of past recommendations.
Dr. Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum suggests that instead of organizing new conferences, the government should focus on implementing the solutions outlined in the 2014 confab report.
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