On August 12, 2025, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja hosted the Coverage Convention for Youth with the theme “Rethinking Nationwide Unity: Governance Reforms for Strengthening Social Cohesion in Nigeria.” The convention was chaired by the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris. The Minister of Trade, Commerce and Funding, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, attended because the particular visitor of honour, whereas the Senior Particular Assistant to the President on Worldwide Cooperation and Secretary-Common of CosPAL, Amb. Dapo Oyewole, made an excellent and eloquent presentation on the convention’s theme. The convention mixed artistry and mind. Company have been welcomed with saxophone renditions and spoken-word poetry, setting a vibrant tone. However past the aesthetics, the convention was concerning the substantive position of youth in shaping Nigeria’s improvement trajectory.
On the coronary heart of the occasion was the Coverage Problem Award, designed to encourage younger folks to develop evidence-based coverage options to nationwide challenges. Out of greater than 800 contributors throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, 16 finalists have been chosen. Their shows ranged from grassroots inclusivity frameworks to reforms of Nigeria’s Federal Character Precept.
· Crew DOUG (College of Lagos) targeted on collaboration to deal with Nigeria’s declining social cohesion.
· Crew One (Adeleke College) developed the Concord in Variety Initiative, proposing grassroots frameworks for inclusivity past the educated elite.
· Crew Trailblazer (College of Lagos) proposed reforms to strengthen the Federal Character Precept for larger nationwide unity.
In the end, Crew One clinched the highest prize, however the variety and depth of concepts led Professor Bala Mohammed, a co-moderator, to conclude that “everybody was a winner.” Past money rewards, contributors additionally secured internship placements with authorities, civil society, and personal sector organisations.
Amb. Dapo Oyewole reminded the youth that change is feasible in the event that they maintain their efforts, citing the transformational management of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki in South Africa as examples of resilience and hope.
“Their consensus was that youth have to be ready academically and mentally to grab alternatives in governance and policy-making.”
A panel session titled “Youth as Leaders” showcased achieved younger Nigerians who’ve translated training, experience, and fervour into public service.
Khalil Nur Khalil, presently Financial Adviser to the Katsina State Governor, highlighted his journey to changing into the youngest director in Nigeria’s civil service. Dr Jamila Mohammed Dahiru, a lecturer and former Bauchi State Commissioner for Schooling, emphasised that governance shouldn’t be just for intellectuals however for all residents. Johannes Oluwatobi Wojuola, Particular Adviser on Communications on the NCC, shared experiences from his time in nationwide communication technique and governance.
Their consensus was that youth have to be ready academically and mentally to grab alternatives in governance and policy-making.
One of many key figures who mirrored the targets of the convention was Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, Managing Director of Reverso Enterprise Providers Ltd and founding father of the Future Pathways Growth Initiative. He has established a fame for integrating innovation, know-how, and governance, and beforehand served as a technical assistant on ease of doing enterprise within the Workplace of the Vice President.
In his speech, he challenged younger Nigerians to undertake a mindset shift:
“We’re a folks with a authorities, not a authorities with a folks. Leaders should give younger Nigerians a motive to dream. They are saying there may be an American Dream; can we not delivery a Nigerian Dream?”
Ojeniyi recounted his journey from growing a grievance app with a pal to working as an aide to Vice President Osinbajo. He pressured that success requires enough and cautious preparation, resilience, and the braveness to “dance with the system” fairly than merely criticise it.
He additionally known as on leaders to finish systemic limitations comparable to college closures, nepotism, and stifling rules that rob younger folks of hope. For him, the youth should see themselves not as spectators however as co-owners of Nigeria’s future.
The Coverage Convention for Youth was not merely a one-day occasion; it underscored the readiness of Nigeria’s youth to imagine management roles and contribute meaningfully to nationwide improvement within the current, fairly than at some distant future.
