Abuja Youth Confab Advocates for Greater Engagement in Policy

The youth confab held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, focused on linking social cohesion and peacebuilding to security through greater youth involvement in national affairs. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, identified peace and security as major challenges for young Nigerians and encouraged participants to engage actively in discussions.

Dr Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, called for youth contributions to national policy, emphasizing governance, education, digital skills, and entrepreneurship. Brigadier General Olakunle Olaseye Nafiu, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, stressed the importance of youth in national conversations.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, discussed the role of technology in organizing youth contributions and addressing misinformation. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, highlighted key youth priorities such as education and meaningful participation in governance.

The confab aimed to create opportunities for youth contributions to policymaking and national development.