The attention of the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter has been drawn to recent publications and public statements by a group operating under the name “Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC)”, wherein the group claims to be the supreme or umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerian youths.
The NYCN-CRS wishes to categorically refute these claims and to guide the general public, government institutions, civil society groups, and all stakeholders as follows:
1.The said “Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC)” is not the statutory youth umbrella body in Nigeria and not even in Cross River State ( it may be one of the numerous “make shift” platforms to defraud the unsuspecting public in their usual manner).
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Findings within our disposal shows further that it is simply a private political association that resonates prior every election year, defraud the political class in the guise of mobilization and dies off immediately. Not recognized in any law or government policy as the apex representative structure for Nigerian youths at any level. While every Organization has the right to exist and operate within the bounds of the law, no organization is permitted to MISLEAD the public by arrogating to itself a statutory mandate it does not possess.
2.The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) remain the only legally recognized umbrella body for all Nigerian youths in this case Cross River State.
The NYCN was established by an Act of Parliament in 1964, and since then has served-without interruption—as the official youth body recognized by:
The Federal Government of Nigeria,
All State Governments,
And all Local Government Councils throughout the federation with clear cut mandate of all inclusive Youth co-ordination, Advocacy and engagement for the growth of community.
The Cross River State Chapter of the NYCN remains validly constituted, legitimately intact and ably led by His Youthfulness Comr. Emmanuel Olayi and his team of Executives under the supervision of the Cross River Ministry of Youth Development.
3.The current leadership emerged through a thoroughly transparent and all inclusive Elective Congress involving Youth stakeholders across the entire state following a state wide visits/ campaign across the eighteen Local Government Area of the State consulting with Youths and stakeholders.
The state Congress and elections were duly convened and elections conducted at the U.J ESUENE Stadium, Cross River State with strict Supervision by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, State Ministry of Youth, Security agencies and many others all in full compliance with laid down statutes and regulations with the participation of accredited observers and Youth Organizations.
4.For the avoidance of doubt, the only Youth Structure with statutory recognition and governmental mandate at the:
National level
State level
Local government level
remains the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
Any parallel claims to being the “umbrella body” or “apex youth body” are both misleading and potentially HARMFUL to the UNITY and CO-ORDINATION of youth development efforts in Cross River State tampering with the overall peace we enjoy today in the youth community and across the State.
5.Every Youth Organizations who desire to operate in Cross River State MUST REGISTER, get VALIDATION and APPROVAL from the NYCN the apex Youth Organization in Cross River State else MUST STOP PARADING ILLEGALLY to avoid being apprehended by Law enforcement agencies.
6.The public is hereby advised not to be MISLED by groups or associations presenting themselves contrary to law, and to continue relating with the NYCN as the legitimate and government-recognized representative platform for Nigerian youths.
We remain committed to unity, development, and the collective aspirations of all young people in Cross River State and Nigeria at large and this we shall continue to advocate for.
Signed:
Comr. Melchizedek David
State PRO-NYCN CRS
CC:
Governor of CRS
Deputy Governor
SSG CRS
Chief of Staff to The Governor of CRS
Hon. Commissioner for Youth Development
All SA Youths
All Local Government Chairmen
All Supervisors for Youth Development
Commissioner of Police CRS
State Director Department of State Services
AIG zone 6
State Commandant NSCDC
All NYCN Co-ordinators
