The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), on Thursday, reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a strategic link between Nigerian youth and the government, as it inaugurated new national directorates.
The NYCN also tasked the newly inaugurated directors to treat their roles as akin to ministries within the youth governance structure, urging them to deliver on their mandates and extend leadership to the grassroots.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, President of NYCN, Solomon Adodo, declared a new era of revitalisation for the council, which he said had suffered years of inactivity and internal crises.
Adodo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating genuine interest in youth development, describing him as a leader who listens and values young people as collaborators in governance.
He said: “Today, we are reviving, reinvigorating, and revitalising an organisation that was once comatose and near-dead. The Youth Council must serve its full essence and purpose.
“We cannot make progress as a nation by fighting or opposing the government. We are expected to be partners in building the Nigeria of our dreams.
“Never in our history have we had a leader more willing to engage and support the youth. Mr. President sees us as collaborators in governance.”
He stressed that the council’s core mandate is to champion the interests of young Nigerians through constructive engagement rather than confrontation with government authorities.
Also speaking, NYCN Deputy President, Rikki Nwajiofor, emphasized the importance of the national directorates in ensuring impactful synergy between the council and relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies.
He noted that the directorates are expected to initiate impactful programmes, communicate youth-focused government initiatives to grassroots beneficiaries, and ensure that no young person is left behind.
Nwajiofor said: “The directorates are developed to be the connecting point between NYCN and the various government ministries and parastatals. They serve as the wheels and tires of the National Executive Council of NYCN.
“The directorates must ensure that all youth empowerment projects domiciled in various federal institutions are effectively communicated to grassroots youth, helping them benefit immensely from such initiatives.”
Nwajiofor congratulated the newly appointed directors, urging them to justify their selection by exhibiting proactive leadership and delivering results.
List of Inaugurated NYCN National Directorates and Appointees: Education, Training and Scholarships: Comrade Olalekan Ganiyu Abolarin; Sports, Recreation and Social Affairs: Mr. Augustine John; Employment, Job Creation and Skills Acquisition: Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe, Esq; Health: Dr. Eboh Joseph (JP); Environment, Housing and Ecology: Dr. Adesanwo Oluwatoyin; Transportation and Aviation Matters: Comrade Jolomi Ejeye.
Others are, Petroleum, Gas and Solid Minerals: Amb. Dauphin Christian; Arts, Culture and Tourism: Comrade Okechukwu John (Johnbull); Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): Alhaji Kaka Mallam; Gender and Girl Child Empowerment: Amb. Sarki Yemi Sylvia; Democratic and Good Governance/Political Affairs: Comrade Uzoho Sopuruchi Sunz; Media, Publicity and ICT: Engr. Shittu Usman Chidawa; Security, Intelligence and Safety Matters: Amb. Emmanuel Ade Mario; Diaspora and Foreign Affairs: Amb. Phil Roberts.
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