The Democratic Labour Alliance candidate for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Taiwo Ilawole, has applauded the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, for ensuring the successful commencement of the 2026 National Youth Confab.
Ilawole praised Olawande for remaining committed to President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the conference despite the challenges encountered in bringing the initiative to fruition.
The DLA candidate said the minister’s efforts had helped turn the Federal Government’s promise of a national youth dialogue into reality, describing the development as a significant step towards giving young Nigerians a stronger voice in national affairs.
He, however, stressed that the success of the confab would depend on the government’s commitment to implementing its resolutions, noting that young Nigerians needed practical opportunities rather than promises.
Ilawole said the recommendations should translate into policies and programmes capable of creating jobs, developing skills and expanding access to economic opportunities for youths across the country.
He noted that the confab offered an opportunity to address challenges confronting young people in Ilaje and Ese-Odo, particularly those in riverine and coastal communities, where access to employment, vocational training and digital infrastructure remained important concerns.
The House of Representatives hopeful urged the executive and legislative arms of government to ensure that the conference’s resolutions were implemented, adding that the DLA would continue to demand accountability on issues affecting young people.
Ilawole also pledged to collaborate with youth organisations, relevant stakeholders and the Ministry of Youth Development to ensure that the conference produced tangible benefits for youths in his constituency and beyond.
President Tinubu announced the proposed youth confab during his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, 2024.
The conference opened in Abuja on October 2, 2026, with about 360 delegates representing federal constituencies and the six geopolitical zones. Olawande had assured participants that the outcome would not be abandoned as a mere document but translated into practical solutions.
