By outdoor-nature-child.com In an exclusive interview, Ezinwanne Onwuka shares his thoughts on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent announcement of a 30-day youth conference made during his Independence Day address. He questions the sincerity of the administration’s commitment to tackling the urgent issues facing young Nigerians.
Onwuka expresses skepticism about the conference’s intent, noting that while framed as a platform for dialogue, it seems poorly conceived and unlikely to meet the actual needs of the youth. He highlights the context of this announcement, following the August #EndBadGovernance protests in Lagos and other areas, which aimed to address economic hardship. According to him, the lengthy conference feels more like a publicity stunt than a true effort to engage with young Nigerians.
“Coming off the protests where young people demanded an end to economic struggles, corruption, and lack of accountability, this 30-day conference appears as just another token gesture,” he argues. “The administration’s response to the protests was silence; now it seems they’re merely trying to placate the youth rather than addressing their core concerns.”
Onwuka believes that the #EndBadGovernance protests, which persisted even during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, indicate a deep-rooted frustration with governance. “What young Nigerians really want is not more rhetoric, but real, tangible solutions. They are seeking a government that focuses on job creation, reducing inflation, and tackling corruption—issues that have a direct impact on their daily lives.”
He recalls previous attempts to organize similar dialogues, pointing out that many have failed to yield meaningful results. “Take the 2014 National Conference under Goodluck Jonathan—it produced hundreds of recommendations, yet few were implemented. Why should we believe this conference will be any different?”
The logistics of the proposed conference also raise concerns for Onwuka. He poses critical questions: “How feasible is a month-long conference in a country with failing infrastructure? Will the government cover transportation, lodging, and meals for participants? Who will be selected to attend, and will they truly represent the interests of young Nigerians or simply present a favorable image of the government?”
He emphasizes that instead of a conference, immediate action is needed to address the grievances of young people. “Young Nigerians are calling for better governance that holds public officials accountable, fosters an inclusive political process, and implements reforms that protect the most vulnerable. For example, a phased removal of the fuel subsidy, alongside social welfare programs, would have been a more effective approach.”
On corruption, Onwuka stresses that young Nigerians are acutely aware of how it undermines their future. “If the Tinubu administration is serious about engaging the youth, it must demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability. This means properly allocating public funds and strengthening anti-corruption measures.”
He further calls for a focus on job creation and economic opportunities, as the unemployment rate among young Nigerians continues to rise. “Instead of hosting conferences to talk, the government should implement programs that foster entrepreneurship and skills development.”
Onwuka concludes by stressing that Tinubu’s administration should prioritize long-term growth in crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He also highlights the need for electoral reforms to encourage youth participation in politics, pointing out that high nomination fees still pose a major barrier, despite the passage of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act.
“Ultimately, the proposed 30-day youth conference, while potentially laudable in theory, is misguided and distracts from genuine issues our youth face. Young Nigerians have already articulated their frustrations, especially through the #EndBadGovernance protests. They need action—job creation, economic relief, and accountability from the government. Instead of wasting resources on a conference, President Tinubu should focus on delivering the real change that young Nigerians are crying out for and the renewed hope he promised to provide.”
Onwuka can be reached at [email protected].