A Roundtable Conversation was convened to celebrate our 61st independence anniversary; his expert roundtable debate bring together selected youth leaders, influencers and opinion leaders to discuss what it means to be Nigerian in this age and time. No doubt, we are in an extra-ordinary time in the history of Nigeria and there is no better time than now to have an honest conversation on the Nigerian identity and the future of Nigeria. We present a call for action for young Nigerians to explore bold new vision for the Nigeria we desire and more.

This conversation invites participants envision a new Nigeria by answering key questions such as what does it means to be Nigerian? What makes us Nigerian? Is it our heritage? Place of birth? Or identification and patriotism to the nation. Sixty one years after independence, is the Nigerian identity still alive? are we still living a Nigeria envisioned by the heroes of our independence. As young Nigerians, how can we conceptualize a difference in ‘Nigeria’ – the country lived by our parents, and ‘Naija’ – the Nigeria our generation have come to envision and experience, a work in progrress, a survival nation.

This conversation is part of the Youth Conversation for New Nigeria; a series of town halls consultations with young Nigeria’s on the future of Nigeria. Contributions will be captured as part of the materials for the “Nigeria for the Many Not the few: a manifesto for the Nigeria we desire”