Youth Participation in National Policy Innovation Contest Reaches 800
In Abuja, on September 18, 2025, a competition for developing policy initiatives to address national challenges took place at an event tagged, "Policy Conference for Youths and Awards Ceremony". The event was organised by the Future Pathways Development Initiative, an NGO.
Approximately 800 young Nigerians from across the six geopolitical zones participated in the competition. Mr. Ayokunnu Ojeniyi, the founder of the Future Pathways Development Initiative, made a stirring speech at the event. He encouraged leaders to cultivate national pride and aspiration among young Nigerians.
Ojeniyi urged all levels of government to inspire young Nigerians to believe in the nation and revive hope in the Nigerian dream. He suggested that the dream possible in America can be a Nigerian dream too, where every young person can aspire to become whoever they want to be, regardless of their background.
Mr. Dapo Oyewole, Special Adviser on Development Planning and International Affairs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, also spoke at the event. He emphasized the need to restore hope in Nigeria's youth and encouraged young people to continuously invest in their personal growth and education.
Oyewole cautioned against emphasizing the negative aspects of the environment, claiming that such emphasis could lead to worse outcomes for young people. He encouraged leaders to give young Nigerians a reason to dream.
The competition's goal was to raise national consciousness among young Nigerians and inspire them to propose evidence-based policy solutions for critical national issues. The conference will feature the grand finale, where the winner will receive a prize, and other participants will be awarded cash prizes and internships for exemplary performances.
This article was edited by Abiemwense Moru and was published alongside several other news articles, including one about Air Peace MRO facility creating 50,000 jobs. The competition is a testament to the commitment of young Nigerians to contribute to the nation's development and a call to action for leaders to support and inspire these young minds.
