Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo has secured a second four-year term as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) after a resounding victory at the council’s National Unity Elective Congress held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The Returning Officer, Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, declared Sukubo the winner after he polled 756 votes, far ahead of his closest rival, Elizabeth Olawande from the South-West, who managed 32 votes, and Usaini Mohammad Kaoje from the North-West, who secured 11 votes.
The election, which drew more than 2,000 youth delegates from across Nigeria, saw three other presidential contenders—Comrades Umaru Lauwa, Ibrahim Ismaila Adejoh, and one other—step down in support of Sukubo’s re-election bid.
In addition to Sukubo, several key officers of the council retained their positions, including Deputy President (South), Comrade Innocent Nduanya. New faces also emerged, with Comrade Gara Soyonga Nongha elected as Secretary-General and Comrade Akoshile Mukhtar as Deputy President (North).
In his victory speech, Sukubo pledged to consolidate on his first-term achievements by launching more youth development and empowerment initiatives. He called on the National Assembly to fast-track passage of the National Youth Council Bill, urging that it be signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu before the year’s end.
“We believe the current administration has made commendable strides for the youth, from improved NYSC allowances to the student loan scheme. But we need the NYCN Bill to institutionalize support for grassroots and community-based youths across the country,” Sukubo stated.
He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Youth Minister Ayodele Olawande, and philanthropist Tein T.S. Jack-Rich for their support during the electoral process.
Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, represented by Commissioner for Youth Development Alfred Kemepado, congratulated the re-elected leadership and stressed the importance of addressing youth unemployment and expanding education opportunities to reduce restiveness.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DSP Musa Mohammed, urged Nigerian youths to shun crime and violence, while reaffirming the police’s commitment to supporting the council in fostering stability and productivity among young people.
At the congress, the NYCN also announced the expulsion of over 30 members, including Oscar Kalu, Ifeanyi Uzo, and Dickson Aku, for alleged constitutional breaches.
The event was attended by former NYCN leaders, state chapters, civil society groups, and representatives of Voluntary Youth Organisations nationwide, marking one of the largest youth gatherings in recent years.
Copyright © EaglesWatchOnline 2023 All rights reserved.
This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without written permission from EaglesWatchOnline.
