The National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN) has inaugurated new executives in five states, empowering them to lead the council’s affairs in their respective states for the next four years.
The states include Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Osun, Kano, and Kaduna. The new executives emerged from elective congresses held in each state, except Akwa-Ibom, where a caretaker committee was constituted pending the conduct of an elective congress.
The inauguration, according to a statement from the Media Unit, Office of the President NYCN, aims to provide inclusive, equitable, and effective youth leadership in the states following the expiration of the tenure of the former executives.
The move is expected to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the council’s leadership, enabling them to better serve the interests of young people in the states.
In Rivers State, Ambrose Sopuruchi Okpor emerged as Chairman, alongside notable members such as Adadika Sokari as Deputy Chairman, Obomanu Precious Andrew as Secretary, and Prince Richard Egbelekro as Vice Chairman Rivers West, among others. The newly elected executives are expected to work together to promote youth development and empowerment in the state.
Similarly, in Osun State, Akinbode Olakolupo Oluwasegun emerged as Chairman, with key members such as Kayode Alex as Deputy Chairman, Monsur Akere as Secretary, and Oladoye Abiodun as Vice Chairman Osun Central. The new leadership team is tasked with advancing the interests of young people in the state.
In Kano State, Muhammed Abdullahi Sule took the reins as Chairman, supported by Ahmad Sani Adam as Deputy Chairman, Asmad Madu Bukar as Secretary, and Yusuf Saleh Muhammed as Vice Chairman Kano Central. The new executives are expected to drive youth development initiatives and promote civic engagement in the state.
In Kaduna State, Umar Abubakar emerged as Chairman, with Zailani Adamu Musa as Deputy Chairman, Isitfanus Ayuba as Secretary, and Mubarak Abubakar as Vice Chairman Kaduna North. The new leadership team is tasked with promoting youth welfare and development in the state.
In Akwa-Ibom State, Uduak Rueben was appointed as the Chairman of the caretaker committee, marking a historic moment as the first female to head the youth council in the state. Isaac Ebrewong serves as Secretary, while Usen Johnson is the Public Relations Officer. The caretaker committee is expected to oversee the council’s affairs until an elective congress is held.
Meanwhile, the President of the NYCN, Sukubo Sara-Igbe charged the newly elected state executives to provide innovative, impactful, and exemplary leadership.
Sara-Igbe emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in their leadership approach.
He urged them to promote peace, cohesion, and youth development in their respective states.
The Youth President also encouraged the new executives to form strong collaborations with government agencies, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to attract employment opportunities and economic empowerment for the well-being of young people.
In his remarks, Sara-Igbe warned the new executives against engaging in partisan politics or acts that could undermine the constitution of the youth council and tarnish its image. He emphasized the need for the executives to maintain the integrity and credibility of the organization.
“The National Youth Council of Nigeria is not a political platform, it is not a partisan group“. You must not use the Youth Council to endorse a political party or a politician in a political contestation. You should not be used by politicians to act against the constitution of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, if that happens, we will not hesitate to dissolve such state executive and uphold our constitution“.
“However, we can support and work with government at all levels, the federal, state and local governments to secure the interests of young people. We promote youth agenda, ensure youth inclusion in governance, and mediate between the government and youths to foster peace and stability in the society“
Also, Sara-Igbe, announced that the council now has 17 duly elected and constituted leadership structures in 17 states across the federation, hinting that plans to conduct more elective congresses in 17 other states before June this year, further expanding the council’s reach and impact.
The elective congresses were conducted in substantial compliance with the constitution of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, with the candidates being elected unopposed. The Returning Officers in the four states charged the new executives to prioritize the well-being of youths in their various states over personal interests, fostering growth and development.
However, the newly elected chairmen of the state chapters pledged to initiate life-changing programs and tackle peculiar challenges facing youths in their states.
Ambrose Sopuruchi Okpor, the newly elected Chairman of the Rivers State chapter, promised to empower youths with practical and lucrative skills for economic empowerment, promoting self-reliance. He also vowed to resist political manipulation and prioritize youth enterprise, digital innovation, and job creation.
Similarly, the newly elected chairmen of the Osun, Kano, and Kaduna State chapters, as well as the Chairman of the Akwa-Ibom State caretaker committee, pledged to prioritize the interests of young people and promote their development. The elective congresses were monitored by representatives from the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiative, Monitoring and Delivery, and national executives of NYCN, among others.
