The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has launched the first edition of the Renewed Hope Conversations at the University of Abuja, bringing together top government officials and over 1,000 students for a direct engagement on national issues.
The event created a platform for young Nigerians to interact with ministers and heads of key government agencies, with discussions centred on education reform, job creation, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and youth participation in governance.
Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and contribute ideas on policy direction, in what organisers described as an open and engaging dialogue between students and decision-makers.
Among those present were the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa; Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; and the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua.
Also in attendance were heads of major agencies, including the Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr; Managing Director of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Uzoma Nwagba; Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Temitope Ilori; Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye; and Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.
Organisers said the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between young people and policymakers by giving students direct access to those shaping government policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Some participants were also rewarded with items such as laptops, mobile phones, and power banks in recognition of their contributions during the session.
The organisers added that the Renewed Hope Conversations will be taken to other universities across the country as part of efforts to deepen youth engagement and participation in governance.
