The African youths convergence is to deliberate on the theme “From Aspiration to Action: Youth as Agents of Reparative Justice and Sustainable Development.”
A head of the 2025 African and National Youth Day and Festival Celebration, youths from across the continent are set to gather in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
The African youths convergence is to deliberate on the theme “From Aspiration to Action: Youth as Agents of Reparative Justice and Sustainable Development.”
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Nigerian Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the event scheduled for November 27 and 28, 2025, would serve as a unifying platform for African youths to share ideas, showcase innovation, and drive a collective agenda for growth and justice across the continent.
The press briefing was delivered on behalf of the Minister by his Chief of Staff, Muhammed Abdullahi.
“This event is aimed at celebrating the energy, innovation, creativity, and resilience of the young people who represent not only the future of our continent but its present strength and vitality,” the minister said.
According to him, “This year’s festival will bring together youth from across Nigeria and the African continent, united under the theme: From Aspiration to Action: Youth as Agents of Reparative Justice and Sustainable Development. It is a timely reminder that the future of Africa lies in the hands of our youth — a generation that is more connected, more informed, and more capable than ever.”
Olawande described the celebration as a platform for “dialogue, a means to showcase talent, meeting of minds and a catalyst for collaboration.”
He noted that the festival would feature workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions, and performances aimed at promoting inclusion, innovation, and sustainable development.
“As we stand at the crossroads of economic transformation, technological advancement, and cultural renaissance, our youth are not just participants in change, they are the actual drivers,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to empowering young people through strategic investments in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.
“As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to youths empowerment through investments in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and civic engagement,” he stated.
He also called for greater collaboration among African nations and development partners to ensure that youth across the continent have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
“We are working hand-in-hand with regional partners and international stakeholders to ensure that our youth have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive,” he said.
Calling on private sector leaders and development agencies to play a stronger role, Olawande said, “The time has come for a truly Pan-African youth agenda — one that transcends borders and leverages our shared aspirations.”
