Over 700 youth leaders from across Nigeria converged in Abuja on Friday for the maiden All Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference, a historic gathering aimed at honouring the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and reaffirming their commitment to Nigeria’s unity, democracy, and progress.
The conference, organised by the Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC), was initially scheduled to hold at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa but was later moved to the Main Auditorium of the Green Building, Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja. It marked 30 years since the execution of Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders by the Abacha regime, an event that remains a defining moment in Nigeria’s struggle for environmental justice and human rights.
In his keynote statement, Aare Oladotun Hassan, EEsql, Convener and President of the NYC and the Yoruba Council Worldwide, described the event as “a historic convergence of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic youth leadership committed to peace, unity, and progress.”
He said the conference served not only to immortalise Saro-Wiwa’s legacy but also to inspire a new generation of Nigerian youth to carry forward his ideals of justice and accountability.
Themed “Emboldening a New Nigeria of Our Dream,” the conference celebrated Saro-Wiwa’s enduring impact and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for posthumously honouring the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Twelve with national awards. Participants, however, urged the federal government to fast-track the Ogoni land clean-up project and increase the Petroleum Industry Act’s (PIA) host community allocation from 3% to 30% as a measure of fairness to oil-producing communities.
The youth leaders also used the platform to endorse President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his potential second-term bid in 2027, describing him as a “symbol of democratic resilience.” According to the coalition, Tinubu’s leadership represents continuity and the promise of deeper reforms across key sectors.
The group further called for the creation of a new people’s constitution ahead of the 2027 elections, advocating a single seven-year tenure for elected officials to curb wasteful election spending and political instability. “Our four-year cycle has become too costly and disruptive,” Hassan stated. “We need a system that guarantees governance, not just politics.”
Rejecting calls by some groups for a return to military rule, the conference participants reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance, warning that such anti-democratic sentiments dishonour the sacrifices made by figures like Tinubu and Saro-Wiwa in the fight for freedom and civil governance.
The NYC also condemned what it termed “economic sabotage” by certain oil unions, which it accused of undermining private investors such as the Dangote Refinery. It urged the government to issue local crude licenses to domestic refineries, maintain fuel prices below N200 per litre, and protect industrial investments as part of broader economic reforms.
Acknowledging the economic challenges faced by the Tinubu administration, the coalition praised ongoing stabilization efforts while urging pro-people policies such as reducing fuel and electricity costs and increasing budget allocations to education (35%), youth development (25%), and traditional institutions (15%) to promote social equity and inclusive growth.
The high point of the conference was the “100 Nigerian Heroes of Democracy Awards,” which recognised individuals for their contributions to democracy and national unity. President Tinubu was honoured as the Maverick Hero of Democracy, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara received the Legend of Democracy Award.
Other awardees included Aliko Dangote, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. A posthumous Doyen of Democracy Hero Award was presented to Ken Saro-Wiwa.
As the conference drew to a close, participants reaffirmed their pledge to uphold Saro-Wiwa’s ideals of justice, peace, and national renewal.
