Nigeria Needs More Than a Youth Conference
Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
Dr. Yemi Farounmbi, Nigeria’s former ambassador to the Philippines, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the 30-day youth conference proposed by President Bola Tinubu. While the President sees the conference as a platform for the youth to discuss the country’s challenges, Dr. Farounmbi believes that it falls short of addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s problems.
In Dr. Farounmbi’s view, what Nigeria truly needs is a National Conference, where stakeholders can engage in honest conversations about the direction the country should take. He emphasizes the importance of tackling issues like federalism, restructuring, and the lack of strong institutions to lay the foundation for economic reforms.
He argues that while consulting the youth is important, a national conference involving all segments of society is crucial to address the structural, political, societal, and moral challenges facing Nigeria. Only through such discussions can the country harness the creativity of its people and ensure the development of all talents.
Dr. Farounmbi asserts that without addressing these fundamental issues, Nigeria will continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, and the growing separatist movements seeking to break away from the country.
