'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has endorsed the draft content for the upcoming National Conference on Skills Acquisition and Youth Empowerment.
According to a statement today by 'Wale Abideen, head of the Institute's media and strategic communication, the conference, an initiative of the APC's Think Tank, The Progressive Institute (TPI), is slated for December 2024 and aims to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria.
During his visit to TPI in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Ganduje engaged in extensive discussions with the institute’s management about the proposed event. The APC National Chairman, who has consistently identified unemployment as a major obstacle to peace and development in Nigeria, emphasized the urgency of equipping youths with skills to promote productivity and curb violence.
In September, Dr. Ganduje tasked TPI with organizing a groundbreaking conference to tackle youth unemployment. In response, the institute assembled a team of experts to develop strategies for engaging Nigerian youths and creating pathways for sustainable employment.
According to TPI’s Director General, Dr. Lanre Adebayo, the three-day conference will feature robust deliberations and pragmatic analyses of the causes and solutions to youth unemployment. "This initiative is designed to bring global standards to Nigeria's approach to youth engagement and empowerment," Adebayo remarked.
He also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to officially declare the conference open, underlining the administration's commitment to addressing youth-related challenges.
Further details about the conference, including its theme, keynote speakers, and panel discussions, will be announced in the coming days.
Unemployment in Nigeria has been linked to increased levels of poverty and social unrest, making initiatives like this conference critical for fostering national stability and growth. TPI’s efforts reflect the APC's strategic focus on youth empowerment as a key component of its governance agenda.
