Youth Minister, Civil Service Commission Chair, Others To Address Young Nigerians On Volunteerism, National Values At CLTC Conference

Sola Shittu

As part of events marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande; Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa; and Future Africa CEO, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, will on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, engage Nigerian youths in a national conversation on civic responsibility, service, and value reorientation.

The event, organised by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) in partnership with the United Nations Inter-Agency Group on Youth (UNIAGY) and the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF)—an initiative of LEAP Africa—is themed “Nigeria @ 65: Reviving Values and Volunteerism among the Youth.”

Designed to inspire a renewed culture of service and nation-building, the conference seeks to mobilise young Nigerians to embrace volunteerism and leadership as tools for strengthening national unity and civic responsibility.

According to a statement by Chinwe Nduka, Head of Information, CLTC, the conference is “a clarion call to young Nigerians to rediscover the spirit of patriotism, community service, and civic engagement as vital ingredients for rebuilding the country’s moral and social fabric.”

A major highlight will be the grand finale of the Youth Leadership Debate, a flagship initiative of LEAP Africa that provides a platform for young leaders to present ideas and policy visions for the nation’s future.

Other confirmed speakers include leading youth advocates and policy influencers such as Samson Itodo (Executive Director, YIAGA Africa), Rotimi Olawale (Executive Director, Youth Hub Africa), Elisabeth Agbiti-Douglas (Director, NYFF), Mrs. Abiodun Essiet (SSA to the President on Community Engagement – North Central), Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa (SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities), Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi (SA to the President on Youth Initiatives), Surayyah Ahmad (Founding Partner, Sabou Capital), Aishat Dahiru (Youth Focal Point, IOM Nigeria), Rafiat Atanda (Communications Specialist, UNODC), and Rex Stephen Ojochegbe (Student, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University).

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the conference underscores government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians as active citizens and agents of national renewal. Aspitah Global Resources serves as CLTC’s implementation partner.

The event will bring together students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community-based organisations from across the country, with options for virtual participation.

With its dynamic speaker lineup and engaging sessions, organisers say the CLTC conference will not only celebrate Nigeria’s Independence milestone but also serve as a rallying point for a generation committed to rebuilding the nation through integrity, innovation, and service.