POLITICS
Challenge Our Policies, Offer Better Alternatives – Tinubu Tells Nigerian Youths
Challenge Our Policies, Offer Better Alternatives – Tinubu Tells Nigerian Youths
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian youths to freely challenge government policies and express their views on issues affecting the country, saying young people should not merely be present in national conversations but should actively contribute to decisions that will shape their future.
The President asked young Nigerians who disagree with government policies to go beyond criticism by presenting practical alternatives, stressing that constructive ideas and proposed solutions could help improve policymaking and address national challenges.
Tinubu said the National Youth Confab 2026 was established to give young Nigerians a meaningful voice in governance and national development, with the government expected to listen to their concerns and give serious consideration to recommendations considered worthy of implementation.
Channel
The President also announced that virtual consultations would continue for two weeks, allowing young Nigerians across Nigeria and those living in the diaspora to participate in the process and contribute their recommendations regardless of their location.
October 2, () – President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian youths to freely express their views on national issues, challenge government policies where they disagree and offer better alternatives to the Federal Government.
Tinubu gave the charge on Friday while announcing the opening of the National Youth Confab 2026, saying young Nigerians must have a meaningful role in shaping decisions that affect their lives and the future of the country.
The President said the conference was conceived to ensure that young Nigerians were not merely given a symbolic presence in national discussions, but were provided with an opportunity to contribute their experiences, aspirations and ideas to policymaking.
In a statement posted on his X account, Tinubu said, “When I proposed this Confab, I wanted young Nigerians to have more than a seat in the room. Your experience and ambition should help shape the decisions that affect your lives.”
He urged participants to speak openly about their concerns and engage the government constructively, particularly when they disagreed with its policies.
“Say what you think. Where you disagree with us, say so, and bring the alternative with you”, the President said.
THWILL reports that the President’s message places emphasis on constructive criticism, with young Nigerians expected to identify shortcomings in government policies while also presenting practical proposals that could provide alternative approaches to addressing the country’s challenges.
He said the responsibility of government was to listen to the views of young Nigerians and consider recommendations emerging from the engagement.
The President added that proposals considered worthy of implementation would receive serious attention from the government.
Nigerian youths
Two-Week Virtual Consultation
Tinubu also disclosed that the youth engagement would extend beyond the physical conference through a two-week virtual consultation.
According to him, the online consultations would provide an opportunity for young Nigerians who are unable to attend the physical sessions to participate in the process from wherever they are.
“The virtual consultations run for the next two weeks and are open to you wherever you are, at home or in the diaspora”, he said.
The arrangement is expected to widen participation in the confab and enable young Nigerians living outside Nigeria to contribute their perspectives to discussions on national development.
Tinubu said he expected the consultations to generate recommendations that could contribute to policymaking and the broader development of the country.
“I look forward to receiving your recommendations and giving them the serious consideration they deserve,” he added.
The National Youth Confab 2026 is taking place amid continuing national conversations over the role of young Nigerians in governance, economic development and policymaking. Youth participation has remained a major issue in Nigeria, particularly against the backdrop of concerns over employment opportunities, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, economic inclusion, security and political representation.