Former presidential candidate, Professor Patrick Utomi, has criticized the poor treatment of Nigerian youths by successive governments. Speaking during an interview with Channels TV, he stated that decades of neglect and unfulfilled promises have eroded trust between the government and young people.
Utomi expressed skepticism about the success of the upcoming National Youth Conference slated for 2025 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that trust is essential for meaningful outcomes. He called for an acknowledgment of past failures and a sincere commitment to prioritizing the future of Nigerian youths.
He proposed that governments build an “emotional bank account” by consistently fulfilling promises and demonstrating genuine care for young citizens. According to Utomi, such actions would rebuild trust and foster collaboration, ensuring that initiatives like the youth conference have a lasting impact.