36,000 delegates expected as FG unveils registration portal for youth confab

The federal government has unveiled the registration portal for the national youth conference, also known as the youth confab.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, said the registration deadline is set for June 30.

The conference follows the inauguration of the national planning committee by President Bola Tinubu on March 10.

The theme of the conference is ‘Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future’.

Olawande said the conference will enable young Nigerians across the world to contribute to conversations affecting their interests and the future of the country.

He said 36,000 participants, drawn from the 360 federal constituencies, are expected to register for the conference.

“This is more than just a conference. It is a generational turning point, a national movement and a call to action. It is a platform for us to listen, learn and lead together,” he said.

Olawande added that the event would not be “another talk-shop”, but rather a platform to generate actionable ideas through inclusive and youth-led engagement.

“Under the visionary leadership of his excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the youth confab 2025 will be inclusive, non-partisan and youth-led,” the minister said.

He urged interested youths to visit the official portal and complete the registration process, noting that all registered participants will be able to take part in virtual consultations and submit policy recommendations through the website.

In a statement issued after the press briefing, Olubunmi Olusanya, chairman of the national planning committee, said the shortlisted applicants will be invited for the in-person component of the conference after undergoing a “rigorous” screening process.

“The youth confab is a platform established by the Nigerian government as a structured avenue for young people to contribute to national discussions and policy formulation in a way that ensures their ideas translate into action,” Olusanya said.

“The conference will brainstorm and propose workable solutions on how to tackle critical issues affecting youths, such as unemployment, political representation, education, healthcare etc.”

He added that the launch of the portal and virtual consultations marks the official commencement of the national youth confab activities.

“The national youth confab is a moment in history. It inspires hope and provides an opportunity for young people to reimagine a Nigeria that works for its youths. It’s a chance to move from protest to policy, from problems to solutions, and from challenges to progress,” he said.