Traditional youth leaders from across Nigeria have called for stronger collaboration with government institutions to deepen youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and inclusive development.
This call came during a two-day retreat held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, from April 29 to 30, 2025. Themed "the role of traditional youth chiefs in peacebuilding and community development", the event brought together youth leaders, traditional institutions, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders to strategize on grassroots-driven solutions to national development.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf, the minister of youth development, Ayodele Olawande, reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to creating pathways for young Nigerians through vocational training, entrepreneurship, and inclusive governance.
"Youths are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are drivers of change," he stated. "As traditional youth chiefs, you represent the bridge between heritage and innovation."
He urged participants to promote justice, dialogue, and inclusion as the foundation for sustainable peace, while also amplifying the voices of marginalized youth and projecting a positive image of Nigeria.
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Olawande highlighted several federal initiatives aimed at youth development, including the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Pi-CNG Initiative, and reforms in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The retreat also saw the minister conferred with the traditional title Matawallen Matasan Nigeria (guardian of Nigerian youth) by the forum, in recognition of his commitment to youth empowerment.
Stakeholders at the retreat urged traditional youth institutions to drive actionable strategies that would scale economic opportunities, promote civic values, and ensure youth inclusion in national transformation efforts.
