The Federal Government has on Monday 5th October 2026 officially commenced the virtual engagement phase of the National Youth Confab, with youths from the North Central geo- political Zone participating in the dialogue aimed at strengthening their involvement in national development and governance.
In a statement issued by CYMS Media officer Hosea Parah on Tuesday in Abuja, the virtual engagement followed the opening ceremony led by the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, marking another significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to provide Nigerian youths with a platform to articulate their concerns, aspirations and recommendations on issues affecting the country.
Leading the monitoring exercise at the situation room was the Director-General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka, who serves as Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Contacts and Mobilization, alongside Mr. Segun Dada, Senior Special Assistant to the President on New Media and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Media.
The officials monitored the virtual sessions and coordination of activities as Ad-hoc officers were deployed as supportive staff to ensure the smooth conduct of the engagement.
Speaking on the commencement of the virtual engagement, Nwaka described the Youth Confab as one of the most significant opportunities presented to Nigerian youths by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying it provides a platform for young Nigerians to engage directly in dialogue on the future of the nation.
He said the initiative represented an important opportunity for youths to move beyond expressing concerns to actively contributing ideas and practical solutions to national challenges.
According to him, the Youth Confab is “the best gift Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has given Nigerian youths to dialogue,” stressing that the initiative could help deepen youth participation in national affairs.
Nwaka also commended members of the Sub-Committee on Contacts and Mobilization for what he described as their tireless efforts, commitment and dedication from the inception of the process.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the first day of the virtual engagement, noting that the exercise recorded significant success despite the scale and complexity of coordinating youths across different locations.
He said the successful commencement of the virtual sessions demonstrated the level of commitment by the various committees and support teams working behind the scenes to ensure that the Youth Confab 2026 achieves its objectives.
Among those who participated in monitoring and coordinating activities at the situation room deployed by the Sub Committee on Contacts and Mobilization were Engr. Ubah Ibrahim, Gloria Ojonugwa, Seun Okunola, Amarah Joseph, Clever Waka, Rose Nwokeocha, Peace Solomon, Comrade Shuiabu Abdulrasheed and a representative of Persons With Disabilities (PWD), Fauziyat, among others.
The virtual engagement is expected to provide a wider platform for young Nigerians to contribute to discussions on governance, economic opportunities, education, technology, employment, inclusion and other issues central to the future of the country.
The commencement of the engagement underscores the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on creating avenues for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in shaping policies and programmes that affect their generation.
As the Youth Confab progresses, stakeholders are expected to build on the first day’s success and sustain the momentum towards producing recommendations that reflect the realities, aspirations and expectations of Nigerian youths.
