Over 700 youth leaders from across the country gathered in Abuja on Friday to honour the legacy of the late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and discuss Nigeria’s democratic future.
The event which was the maiden edition of the All Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference, organised by the Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC), was originally scheduled for the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa but later held at the Main Auditorium of the Green Building, Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, to celebrate Saro-Wiwa’s enduring impact 30 years after his death.
The gathering also served as a platform for the youth to reaffirm their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and his potential second-term bid in 2027.
In a statement signed by Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq, Convener and President of the Nigeria Youth Coalition (NYC) and President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, the coalition described the conference as a “historic convergence of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic youth leadership committed to peace, unity, and progress.” He noted that the meeting was dedicated to honouring the memory of Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni leaders who were executed 30 years ago for standing up against environmental degradation and injustice in the Niger Delta.
The event, themed *“Emboldening a New Nigeria of Our Dream,”* marked three decades since the state execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists by the Abacha military regime. Their deaths, the statement recalled, became a global symbol of resistance against environmental oppression and corporate exploitation.
The NYC commended President Tinubu for posthumously honouring Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 12 with national awards and urged the federal government to accelerate the clean-up of Ogoni land while ensuring more equitable benefits for oil-producing communities. The group called for the upward review of the Petroleum Industry Act’s 3% host community allocation to 30%, describing it as a necessary step towards justice and inclusion.
The coalition also used the occasion to call for a new people’s constitution before the 2027 general elections, proposing a single seven-year term for elected officials. According to Hassan, Nigeria’s four-year election cycle has led to wasteful spending, political instability, and violence, stifling genuine development.
Speaking further, the group condemned attempts by some groups to undermine democracy or call for a return to military rule. They argued that such moves disregard the sacrifices made by democratic icons, including President Tinubu and the late Saro-Wiwa, who fought for Nigeria’s freedom and civil governance.
The conference participants also expressed concern over what they described as “reckless economic sabotage” by some oil unions against private investors such as the Dangote Refinery. They urged the government to protect private sector investments, grant crude exploration licenses to local refineries, and ensure fuel prices do not exceed ₦200 per litre.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties inherited by the current administration, the group praised President Tinubu’s efforts to stabilise the economy and address the grievances of the Niger Delta. They also proposed several reforms, including a 35% budgetary allocation to education, 25% to youth development, and 15% derivative funds for traditional institutions.
The NYC further appealed for pro-people economic policies, such as reversing the fuel price and electricity tariff hikes and tackling the high cost of living. According to them, a “new Nigeria” must prioritise the welfare of its citizens through equitable reforms and inclusive development strategies.
The highlight of the event was the *100 Nigerian Heroes of Democracy Awards,* honouring individuals for their roles in promoting peace, democracy, and national unity.
President Tinubu was named Maverick Hero of Democracy, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara received the Legend of Democracy Award.
Other notable recipients 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 Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, among others. A posthumous *Doyen of Democracy Hero Award* was presented to Ken Saro-Wiwa.
As the conference concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to national unity and democratic governance, vowing to uphold the ideals for which Saro-Wiwa lived and died.
The statement signed by Aare Oladotun Hassan reiterated: “Saro-Wiwa lives on in every Nigerian youth striving for justice, peace, and a better tomorrow.”
