By NEWSCOUNT Desk
Hon. Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, Chairman, Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria, has called on young Nigerians to take an active role in shaping the country’s future, saying the National Youth Conference 2026 must produce practical results.
Chukwu made the call while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the virtual opening ceremony of the National Youth Conference 2026.
He described the conference as a historic opportunity for young Nigerians to participate directly in discussions on the present and future of the country, noting that issues affecting young people had for too long been discussed without their direct involvement.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, collaborating youth networks and other stakeholders for making the conference possible.
Chukwu said the conference had given young Nigerians a meaningful place at the table where decisions about the future of the country are made, stressing that the future of Nigerian youths must not be built without Nigerian youths.
He said Nigeria had never lacked ideas, but that the major challenge had been turning good ideas into measurable action.
According to him, the success of the conference should not be judged by the number of participants, speeches delivered or recommendations produced, but by what happens to those recommendations after the conference.
He urged participants to be constructive, courageous and focused on solutions, saying they should not only talk about the Nigeria they do not want but also define the Nigeria they want and the practical steps required to achieve it.
Chukwu challenged the participants to consider how to create an economy that provides productive opportunities for millions of young Nigerians, equip young people with skills to compete in the digital and technology-driven world, and open up political participation beyond using young people as supporters during elections.
He also called for serious discussion on how Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and political differences could be used to strengthen national unity, as well as how the recommendations from the conference could be implemented and properly monitored.
Speaking from his experience of interacting with young political leaders from different parties, Chukwu said political differences should not become national divisions.
He said Nigerians could belong to different political parties, disagree on policies and compete politically while still working together to build a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.
He urged participants to allow that spirit to guide the conference.
Chukwu warned that the gathering should not become another forum where young Nigerians simply complain about the past.
Rather, he said, it should be a platform where young people accept responsibility for the future.
He urged participants to speak but also listen, demand but also propose, and criticise where necessary while offering alternatives. He also encouraged young Nigerians to seek opportunities while preparing themselves for the responsibilities that come with them.
Chukwu said he expected the conference to produce more than a communiqué, calling for clear recommendations, responsible institutions, measurable timelines and a framework for tracking implementation.
He said young Nigerians should be able to look back at the National Youth Conference 2026 and point to what changed because they took part in it.
He congratulated the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, organisers, partners and young Nigerians participating in the conference, expressing the hope that the gathering would promote dialogue and strengthen the country’s commitment to unity and development.
“Do not only ask for a seat at the table. Prepare yourself for the responsibility that comes with sitting at that table. Let us participate. Let us contribute. Let us join to build. Above all, let us walk the talk,” he said.
He wished Nigerian youths and the country God’s blessings.
