Proposed Nigeria Youth Confab: A Call For Transparent Selection Of Representatives

PIUS ADE BABALEYE PAB 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent proposal for a youth confab is a laudable step toward engaging Nigerian youths in meaningful dialogue and national development. However, to ensure that this initiative truly serves the interest of young Nigerians across the country, it is imperative to have a transparent and inclusive selection process for youth representatives. This would prevent the confab from being hijacked by political lobbyists and self-serving individuals who may divert it from its intended purpose.

 

To achieve this, I propose that private organizations like YIAGA AFRICA, known for their integrity and extensive experience in youth advocacy and political inclusion, be tasked with overseeing the selection of youth representatives from each state.

YIAGA AFRICA has established itself as a non-partisan organization that champions youth participation in governance and democratic processes. By allowing such bodies to handle the selection process, the confab would be more credible, free from political interference, and reflective of the diversity of Nigerian youth.

 

The involvement of private organizations like YIAGA AFRICA would also ensure that the chosen representatives are truly youth-driven and not influenced by political patronage. It would prevent the confab from becoming another exercise in resource wastage, often seen when politicians manipulate national initiatives for personal gain. By having a transparent selection process, this confab can become a platform for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development, addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, education, and security.

 

The success of this youth confab depends largely on the authenticity and credibility of the voices that will be heard. A fair, unbiased selection process will ensure that the youth representatives are individuals who genuinely understand the challenges facing young Nigerians and are committed to driving positive change.

President Tinubu’s administration must seize this opportunity to empower the next generation, allowing them to shape policies and decisions that will impact their future. Nigeria’s youth have the energy, ideas, and innovation to move the country forward, and a well-organized, transparent confab could be the beginning of a new era of youth involvement in governance.

 

In conclusion, if this youth confab is to be more than just another political spectacle, it is crucial that private bodies like YIAGA AFRICA take the lead in selecting representatives. This will ensure that the voices of Nigerian youth are truly heard, leading to meaningful assignments and impactful results across the country. The time for genuine youth representation is now, and with the right structures in place, this confab can serve as a powerful catalyst for national development.