Nigeria Political. Youth Leaders, Should their Respective. Political Offices to Asked Critical Questions to Enhance National Unity, Comr Onyebuchi Eze. National Chairman Forum Youth Leaders of Political Parties of Nigeria Advocates. By CHINONYEREM IGWE Abuja

The National Chairman of Forum of Youth Leaders of Political Parties of  Nigeria believes that it is an honour to join this virtual opening ceremony of Nigeria’s historic maiden National Youth Conference in 2026.

The importance of this Conference extends far beyond the gathering of young people in one place. It speaks to a long-standing deficiency in our national practice: for too long, the affairs of our country—and the issues that directly affect young people—have been discussed without young people being meaningfully included in the deliberations.

Comr Onyebuchi said that, it was first time we are being afforded the opportunity to take ownership of the conversations that shape our present and chart our future. I therefore commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this thoughtful initiative, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, alongside all collaborating youth networks and stakeholders, for bringing this historic event to fruition. We must not treat this opportunity as ordinary; we must seize it with intention, speak with clarity, and contribute with conviction.

This is, at its core, an invitation to place young people meaningfully at the centre of decision-making—because Nigeria’s future cannot be built without the active participation of Nigerian youth. The future must not merely be discussed by the youth; it must be shaped with He said: Nigeria has never lacked ideas. Our enduring challenge has been converting those ideas into practical action—measurable outcomes that improve lives and strengthen national development.

Accordingly, the success of this Conference should not ultimately be judged by the number of participants, the elegance of speeches delivered, or the volume of recommendations generated. It should be evaluated by what becomes of those recommendations after this Conference—whether they are translated into implementable policies, executed with accountability, and measured for impact.

As we participate in this all-important National Youth Conference, I encourage us to adopt a constructive, courageous, and solution-oriented posture. Let us avoid dwelling on the Nigeria we do not want. Instead, let us articulate the Nigeria we desire and define practical pathways for achieving it.

Comr Onyebuchi  also confronted the difficult questions, including: How do we build an economy in which millions of young Nigerians can access productive opportunities and dignified livelihoods? How do we equip our young people with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly digital and technology-driven world? How do we broaden political participation beyond the routine mobilisation of youth as supporters during elections, and move towards genuine inclusion in governance? How do we transform our ethnic, religious, and political differences into engines of national unity rather than instruments of division? And most importantly, how do we create robust mechanisms and clear pathways through which the recommendations emerging from this Conference will be implemented, monitored, and tracked to measurable completion?

As Chairman of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria, Comr Onyebuchi had the privilege of engaging young political actors across party lines. One lesson stands out with remarkable clarity: our political differences do not have to harden into national divisions. We can belong to different political parties; disagree on policies; compete democratically; and yet collaborate sincerely to build a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria. Let that spirit guide our proceedings throughout this Conference.

I'm his conclusion Comrade Onyebuchi Eze said, let this gathering not become merely another stage for young Nigerians to vent grievances about yesterday. Let it instead be a platform for ownership of tomorrow—where we take responsibility, develop solutions, and demand structured implementation.

To every participant in this process, I submit this charge: speak, but also listen; demand, but also propose; criticise where necessary, but provide alternatives; seek opportunities, but prepare yourselves for responsibility.

He therefore earnestly hope that by the time we conclude this Conference in Abuja, we will not only have a communiqué, but also clear, actionable recommendations; responsible institutions tasked with implementation; measurable timelines; and a coherent framework for monitoring progress. Young Nigerians must be able to look back at the National Youth Conference 2026 and identify tangible change—proof that their participation mattered.

I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the organisers, partners, and every young Nigerian participating in this historic national conversation. May this Conference deepen dialogue across our differences, strengthen our shared commitment to Nigeria, and remind us that the future we constantly discuss is being created through the decisions we make today.

To every young Nigerian listening to me today, I leave you with this: do not only seek a seat at the table—prepare yourselves for the responsibility that accompanies presence at the table. Let us participate. Let us contribute. Let us come together to build. Above all, let us walk the talk.

Thank you, and God bless the youth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless Nigeria.