The president of the United Nigerian Youths Congress has called for a renewed focus on national interest, urging Nigerians to put the country first in all endeavours.

The UNYC president, Naseer Chamber, made the call in Abuja at the 2025 National Youth Conference.

Mr Chamber said the theme for this year’s conference was deliberately chosen to drive the message of patriotism and sacrifice for the nation.

“Any country that develops or that succeeds, you will find out that they put their country first, and there is no other alternative to that.

“Unfortunately, the politicians we have and the citizens are in no way helping hands. Look at the hall today. Look at Nigerians from all over the country coming. It shows us their level of patriotism. Nigerians love their country,” he said.

Mr Chamber said UNYC vowed to build the capacity of youths, unify the country, and support reforms in the military, police, and security architecture, adding that Nigeria’s diversity is not a weakness but its greatest strength.

He said, “Fellow Nigerian youths, history is calling us. The future is calling us. Our country is calling us. Let us answer with courage and unity. With this coalition, we are not just preparing for the future, we are creating it.”

Mr Chamber said UNYC had the determination to change the country’s narrative by raising youths who put Nigeria first.

“In the long run, the Nigeria that we are putting first will help us in challenging, whether it is the authority or those in positions of authority, to replace them.

“We have to deal with the brokenness, with people who are more competent than they are. So that is our oath. That is what we swear to do,” he said.