Sukubo re-elected NYCN President, urges youth empowerment reforms

From Amgbare Prince in Yenagoa

Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo of Rivers State has been re-elected president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for a second four-year term, securing a landslide victory at the National Unity Elective Congress held in Yenagoa, the Capital of Bayelsa State.

Sukubo won 756 votes, defeating Elizabeth Olawande of the South-West, who polled 32 votes, and Usaini Mohammad Kaoje of the North-West, with 11 votes.

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According to Returning Officer Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, three northern candidates, Comr. Umaru Lauwa, Comr. Ibrahim Ismaila Adejoh, and another stepped down to support Sukubo’s re-election.

The congress also re-elected Comr. Innocent Nduanya as Deputy President (South) alongside other National Executive Committee members. Comr. Gara Soyonga Nongha was elected secretary-general, and Comr. Akoshile Mukhtar was named Deputy President (North).

In his acceptance speech, Sukubo vowed to strengthen youth empowerment programs and urged the National Assembly to pass the pending National Youth Council Bill before year-end for presidential assent.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for increasing National Youth Service Corps allowances, launching a student loan scheme, and allocating significant funds for youth-focused initiatives in the 2025 budget.

Sukubo also endorsed the proposed National Youth Conference to shape Nigeria’s youth agenda.

“The NYCN Bill will empower rural youths and amplify their voices,” Sukubo said.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Governors Douye Diri and Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Belemaoil President Tein T.S. Jack-Rich, the Inspector General of Police, the DSS Director General, and the National Assembly for ensuring a transparent and peaceful election.

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Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development Alfred Kemepado, representing Governor Douye Diri, emphasized the state’s efforts to curb youth unemployment and promote education to reduce restiveness.

“Youth inclusion in governance and empowerment programs has ensured peace in Bayelsa,” he said, calling for stakeholder collaboration to support Nigerian youths.

Also speaking, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DSP Musa Mohammed, urged youths to shun crime and embrace positive change.

“Stable NYCN leadership, backed by government support, can empower and educate youths to combat social vices,” he said.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senate Committee Chairman on Youth and Community Engagement, represented by Adebayo Adesoji, reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to passing the NYCN Bill.

The congress expelled Oscar Kalu, Ifeanyi Uzo, Dickson Aku, and 30 others for constitutional violations.

About 2,000 members, including former NYCN leaders, state chapter representatives, and members of affiliated voluntary youth organizations, attended the event.