The debate surrounding the holding of a National Youth Conference, announced by President Bola Tinubu to address the issues raised by protesters during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, has generated mixed reactions among the population. The initiative is seen by some as a step in the right direction, while others have expressed concerns about the participation and representativeness of the delegates.
A crucial point raised by critics of the initiative is the need for inclusive representation, ensuring the participation of protesters currently detained as delegates at the Conference. This demand is aimed at ensuring the credibility of the exercise and demonstrating a genuine willingness to listen and engage in dialogue.
Other demands include the need for a guarantee of implementation of the resolutions of the Conference and a firm commitment to ensure that the report does not remain a dead letter, as previous similar initiatives have done. It is imperative that participants in this Conference are not just supporters of the ruling party, but that diversity of views and opinions are taken into account for informed and balanced deliberations.
The proposal to hold a National Youth Conference over a period of 30 days, as mentioned by President Tinubu during his Independence Day speech on 1st October, has raised both hopes for real change and legitimate questions about the modalities of selecting delegates and taking into account the aspirations of the youth.
It is crucial that this Conference is designed with the active and direct participation of the youth themselves, to ensure that their major concerns on education, employment, innovation, security and social justice are effectively addressed. The political leadership must commit to taking into consideration the recommendations that will emerge from this conference and implementing them in concrete ways to help build a more inclusive, prosperous and united society.
However, it is equally essential to stress that the repression of peaceful protesters during the recent #FearlessInOctober protests is an attack on fundamental democratic principles. The freedom to demonstrate peacefully is an essential pillar of any democratic society, and any form of repression or intimidation against citizens exercising this right must be condemned.
In conclusion, the organization of a National Youth Conference is a commendable initiative that deserves support, provided that it guarantees genuine representativeness, attentive listening to the concerns of young people and a real will to act for changeIt is essential that the aspirations and needs of young people are at the heart of this process in order to build a better future for all.