Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has voiced strong criticism of the Federal Government’s planned National Youth Confab. He alleged that the initiative is primarily designed to reward associates of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, rather than addressing the genuine challenges faced by Nigerian youths.
President Bola Tinubu had announced the creation of the confab during his October 1 Independence Day broadcast. The proposed 30-day conference aims to provide a platform for youths to discuss and address their challenges, highlighting the government’s focus on empowering young Nigerians, who make up over 60% of the population.
“Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference,” Tinubu stated. “This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people.”
However, during an appearance on Lunchtime Politics on Wednesday, Sowore dismissed the initiative as insincere. He claimed the confab is a calculated move to appease select youth groups aligned with the administration.
Sowore’s Allegations
“The agenda is to compensate some young people who are in their corner. These young people they are calling to a conference are probably Seyi Tinubu’s friends, not Nigerian youths,” Sowore asserted.
He expressed skepticism about the potential impact of the conference, arguing that it would likely be a symbolic gesture with no substantial outcomes.
“They cannot afford to have the real youths on the table. If I am invited, I will not go because I know in advance that this is a joke, nothing will come out of this,” he said.
According to Sowore, genuine change for young Nigerians will not come from government-sponsored conferences but through unity and collective action by the youth themselves.
“Young people who are serious about governance would team up in unity to actualize their plans,” he added, emphasizing that the solution lies in proactive leadership rather than symbolic events.
Sowore’s remarks reflect growing skepticism among some Nigerians regarding government-led initiatives for youth empowerment. Critics argue that such programs often prioritize optics over tangible outcomes, leaving the broader youth population underserved.
The proposed National Youth Confab has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming the dialogue opportunity and others, like Sowore, questioning its intentions and effectiveness. As the Federal Government proceeds with the initiative, its success will likely depend on the inclusivity and practical impact of its outcomes.
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