By Euclid Myke, Abuja
Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, from Rivers State in South-South Nigeria, has been re-elected as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for a second four-year term.
Sukubo secured a landslide victory at the National Unity Elective Congress of the NYCN, held from Monday to Tuesday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital. The Returning Officer, Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, declared him winner with 756 votes. His closest challenger, Elizabeth Olawande from the South-West, polled 32 votes, while Usaini Mohammad Kaoje from the North-West managed 11 votes.
Three other presidential aspirants from the North—Comr. Umaru Lauwa, Comr. Ibrahim Ismaila Adejoh, and one other—stepped down in support of Sukubo, bolstering his re-election bid.
Other positions were also decided at the congress. Comr. Innocent Nduanya was re-elected Deputy President (South), while Comr. Gara Soyonga Nongha emerged Secretary-General, and Comr. Akoshile Mukhtar became Deputy President (North).
In his acceptance speech, Sukubo pledged to intensify efforts in youth development and empowerment, promising more impactful projects for Nigerian youths. He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the National Youth Council Bill, stressing its importance for grassroots development.
“We believe that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot for the youth constituency,” he said, citing improved National Youth Service Corps allowances, the student loan scheme, and budgetary allocations for youth-focused initiatives. He added that Tinubu’s proposed National Youth Conference would further strengthen youth engagement in governance.
“However, we are appealing to the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the National Youth Council Bill currently before them. This should be passed and signed into law before the end of the year. With it, we can support rural, local, and community-based youths with meaningful developmental programs annually,” he stressed.
Sukubo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu; Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers; Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike; Belemaoil President Tein T.S. Jack-Rich; and security agencies for ensuring the congress was credible and peaceful.
Bayelsa State Governor, represented by Commissioner for Youth Development Alfred Kemepado, congratulated Sukubo and his team, emphasizing the need to address youth unemployment and expand educational opportunities. He said Bayelsa’s peace was largely due to youth involvement in governance and empowerment programs, urging other states to adopt similar measures.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DSP Musa Mohammed, cautioned youths against crime and violence. “Youths are critical stakeholders in national development. The NYCN, as a large body, must focus on empowerment, education, and enlightenment to tackle social vices,” he said. He urged Nigerian youths to pursue positive change and avoid activities that could lead to regret.
Senate Committee Chairman on Youth, Community Engagement, and Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, represented by Adebayo Adesoji, assured delegates that the Senate is committed to passing the National Youth Council Bill soon.
Meanwhile, the congress expelled Oscar Kalu, Ifeanyi Uzo, Dickson Aku, and 30 others for constitutional infractions.
The event recorded massive participation, with former NYCN leaders, state chapters, and over 2,000 members of affiliated Voluntary Youth Organizations nationwide in attendance.
Sukubo’s re-election consolidates his leadership of Nigeria’s foremost youth body and sets the stage for another four years of advocacy, empowerment, and developmental initiatives for the country’s teeming youth population.
