Paradise News

Tag: NYCN

  • NYCN: Cross River Youth Celebrate Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, Partners ARD-UCTH To Host Free Medical Outreach in His Honor

    NYCN: Cross River Youth Celebrate Hon Emmanuel Ironbar, Partners ARD-UCTH To Host Free Medical Outreach in His Honor

    In an ebullient display of admiration and community spirit, Executives and members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, led by the State Chairman, His Youthfulness Obol (Comr.) Emmanuel Olayi, joined friends, family, and well-meaning Cross Riverians in celebrating the birthday of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar.

    The celebration, held at The Primary  Health Care Centre within the premises of Lutheran Primary School, Webber Street and was marked by a free medical outreach organized by the ARD-UCTH in partnership with the NYCN-CRS in honor of the celebrant. The outreach featured free medical testing, counseling, and distribution of medications, bringing much needed healthcare services to the community.

    Speaking at the event, Comr. Emmanuel Olayi lauded Hon. Ironbar for his unwavering support of Cross River youth. He highlighted the Chief of Staff’s role in empowering young people through employment opportunities, skill acquisition programs, and business start ups which have enhanced lives, emphasizing his open-door policy toward the NYCN.

    Read Also: Nigeria announces tough sanctions on foreigners who overstay visas, launches digital permit system

    Speaking at the event, the Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, The President of Association of Resident Doctors, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) assured  of future partnership with the NYCN and expressed his gratitude to the team for the effort put in to achieve this great mission in Honour of the Chief of Staff to The Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar.

    In his response, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, visibly elated, expressed deep gratitude to the NYCN and Cross River youth for the celebration. He described the occasion as a touching gesture that would remain close to his heart, reaffirming his commitment to continued collaboration and youth development in the state.

    The event was graced by several dignitaries including Hon. Ironbar and his elegant wife, Commissioners and other appointees of Government, CEO of Arubah Hospital; Sir Dr. Iyke Ukweh, leaders and members of the NYCN, the Honourable Speaker of the Cross River Youth Parliament, the National  Chief Whip of YAN, Local Government Council Chairmen, councillors, medical professionals, and top government functionaries.

  • C’River: NYCN Holds First Exco Meeting of 2025, Directs Youth Associations To Register With Council

    C’River: NYCN Holds First Exco Meeting of 2025, Directs Youth Associations To Register With Council

    The State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River State chapter, His Youthfulness Comrade Emmanuel Olayi has stated that the National Youth council of Nigeria (NYCN) is an umbrella youth body, therefore every youth organization operating in the State has to be registered and properly affiliated with the council for the purpose of authenticity and synchronization of operations and their activities which must be in consonance with the ethics of the Council and the Ministry of Youth Development.

    He added that the Council is not an arm of government or political party but partners with government for peace building and general development, thus the council should be a safe space for youth not minding their leanings so as  to enable them channel their concerns freely and be attended to accordingly.

    Comrade Olayi made the statement during the first state executive council meeting of year 2025 held at the administrative block at the Cross River State Youth House in Calabar, where he welcomed the executive back from the festivities of 2024 and expressed optimism towards the Council’s commendable progress that would be recorded in 2025. He charged Exco members to be steadfast, innovative and bring forth inspiring ideas and do things rightfully to enable the achievement of the councils projections for 2025.

    The State Chairman listed out the achievements of the council in 2024 to include; a free medical outreach, campaign against the End Bad Governance Protest with the tag “Dialogue over Protest”, Cross River State active participation in various National Youth Engagements, some of which he listed to include; participation in the Review of The National Youth Policy (2018-2023), attendance of Cross River youth delegates at NYCN at 60 years, payment of subvention to all structures of the Council, participation in the 7th National Council of Youth Development meeting at Maiduguri, Borno State, training of Youths in various agricultural value chain, Christmas and new year package to youth organizations, stakeholders and related groups across the state.

    Read Also: Anambra Hotel Demolished After Discovery Of 30 Graves, Shrine, Ammunition, Others

    The Chairman emphasized that the Council must work in line with the proposed work plan for the calendar year 2025. He went further to inform Exco about his concerted effort to give Cross River State Youth House a facelift through modern structural development, installation of electricity, reticulation of water into the Youth House, rewiring and reconnection of power supply, general painting of interior and exterior views, erection of signage at the high way among many others.

    The Chairman requested for performance reports from across the three senatorial districts of the state and called upon the Vice Chairman North, Vice Chairman Central and Vice Chairman South to brief the forum respectively.

    The NYCN Vice Chairman of Northern Senatorial District, Comr. Patrick wonah uttered that despite just resuming office immediately after conduct of elections, he engaged the youths of Cross River North in dialogue against participating in the End Bad Governance protest, embarked on a youth sensitization rally against youth restiveness and community crisis, while Comr. Evalsam Ekpe, VC Central Senatorial District mentioned their engagement in NYCN tour across the six local government areas of the central where they interfaced with several youths, traditional leaders, members of the state and National Assembly who had meaningful and fruitful conversations with them. Comr. Evalsam Ekpe also informed his colleagues of the recent leadership crisis in one of the six local government areas in the central due to the discovery of deposits of resources of interest in one of the communities and called for immediate intervention from the State Chairman, adding that with proper intervention from the state executive, lasting peace will return.

    The Secretary General Hon. Prince Ojoi who spoke for the Southern Senatorial District, assured the house of peace and security in the southern senatorial district while expressing appreciation to the State Government for opening the doors of opportunities for youths who today are in different positions of leadership.

    The Chairman who applauded the Vice Chairmen for being proactive in their senatorial districts, said that the discovery of resources of value across the state is an indication of the wealth in Cross River State. He further reiterated that it is good news for the youths of Cross River and Government, as the state is blessed with abundant natural resources with Akamkpa local government area also having large deposit of solid mineral, therefore the council would embark on a visit to the ministry of solid mineral for progressive collaboration that will benefit the youths.

    Addressing the executive council members as regards the forthcoming NYCN local government election, HY Comr. Olayi said the state executive council is an arm of council structured for decision making to flow collectively. He advised the Exco members to provide equal platform for participation of every youth in the elections, make the election affordable, rancour free and fair as the election is meant to recruit leaders that will join for peace building and progressive thinking for the Council.

    The State Chairman reeled out the activities for the 2025 calendar year and announced the plans for the official unveiling of the year’s work plan.

    He further expressed appreciation to the Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his dear Wife Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Otu for their continuous support to the youth community. He equally appreciated the Hon. Commissioner for Youth Development and his team of management staff for their relentless efforts in youth development.

    The Chairman concluded with a charge on the state executive council members to make the council conducive for every youth to access and be part of and also launch out to seek opportunities that will grow the youth of Cross River State while thanking them for their sacrifice of service.

    The meeting which was presided over by the Cross River NYCN Chairman HY Comr. Emmanuel Olayi was attended by the vice chairmen of the three  senatorial districts and all state executives of the council.

  • RE: Protest At PHEDC Headquarters, Calabar

    RE: Protest At PHEDC Headquarters, Calabar

    Good morning my dear youths and stakeholders of The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

    Information reaching us that some youths under the auspices of the youths umbrella body the NYCN-CRS code named “Young people from the 18 Local Government Areas of CRS” gathered at the headquarters of PHEDC on a protest for insufficient power distribution in the state yesterday the 16th day of January, 2025.

    The Information further states that the youths cut, across the 18 LGA and a picture painted erroneously in semblance of our Esteemed Organization.

    We wish to state categorically the following positions as follows:

    a. The protest was carried out by unknown persons to NYCN-CRS Chapter.

    b. The council never authorized any of her member either at the state level or LGA Chapter to lead or carry out any protest connected to the above subject matter.

    That as UMBRELLA youth body in Nigeria and CRS, the Council MUST at all times be DULY informed before any attempt to infiltrate, mobilize and lead young people within our jurisdiction to any engagement to avoid possible hijack by miscreants.

    c. The council therefore distance herself from whatever act that was led by the group using the code name ” Young people across the 18 L.G.A”

    C. We at the NYCN, DO NOT argue with the fact that PHEDC and other relevant agencies may need to ups their game in attending to the unending energy demands of the people and this they MUST do with URGENCY and COMMITMENT.

    The Leadership of the NYCN at this time,  believe in “DIALOGUE OVER PROTEST” as a means of settling dispute, reason for our constant state wide tour, advancing the importance of Dialogue.

    Sign: comrade Melchizedek David PRO NYCN CRS

  • C’River: Olayi lists achievements as NYCN state chairman, prioritizes inclusivity

    C’River: Olayi lists achievements as NYCN state chairman, prioritizes inclusivity

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, state chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River chapter, has highlighted some of the achievements recorded five months into his administration.

    Olayi who spoke during the NYCN stakeholders meeting/leadership roundtable held at the Youth House in Calabar on Friday, disclosed that the council in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development, has mobilized 1,000 young persons for a 3-month ICT training sponsored by the World Bank.

    He said the NYCN under his leadership was able to appeal to youths in the state not to join the nationwide hunger protest in October by working collaboratively with relevance agencies to dialogue with young persons. This, he added, had contributed to maintaining peace and tranquility in Cross River. He said the council had compiled and presented to the government a list detailing challenges faced by young people across the state.

    The council chairman further stated that “as a team we thought it wise to organize a free medical outreach for the host community. Over 100 persons from this community where the Youth House is located, benefitted from the medical outreach. Medications, counselling and health education were given to them. As offshoot of that we were able to identify persons who needed surgeries. Good enough we had the presence of the governor’s wife who immediately absorbed those persons into her free healthcare.”

    Read Also: Nigerian Labour Congress To Commence Indefinite Strike December 1 Over Minimum Wage In Zamfara

    He also said that the state chapter of NYCN had engaged and made representation on the Calabar-Itu road before the Minister of Youth Development and was optimistic that the Minister had followed it up with relevant federal government agencies responsible for the repair of the road.

    “We also requested that through her office she should relate with other ministers who are responsible to support agriculture. We informed her that the previous administration had done something on ‘Back To Farm’ which is geared towards helping young people. She accepted to take that to the Honourable Minister.

    “As an offshoot of that engagement, as I speak now we have about 25 young persons who have been in a camp in Port Harcourt for two weeks. They’ve been training them on different agricultural value-chain, and we expect to receive them tomorrow (Saturday). The feedback I got is that the programme has been rewarding,” he said.

    On the concluded local government elections, the NYCN chairman informed that “we advocated for young people to participate, and I am happy to announce that across party lines, young persons have been given privileges to run for office and a number of them have been elected. A number of them have also been selected as vice chairmen and they are currently serving. That’s a plus to us.”

    Emphasizing inclusivity as the thrust of the current NYCN leadership, Comrade Olayi announced that the council would unveil a structure to cater for people with special needs on the 3rd of December, 2024. He also said that plans were on to organize a youth summit in 2025, where young persons would engage with the government as an offshoot of the dialogue the council had during the nationwide hunger protest.

    In her remarks, the director of youths in the ministry of Youths Development, Jane Frances Kamgba, commended the youths for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the NYCN election, urging them to continue to be orderly as they represent the future of Cross River.

    She also commended the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi for showing leadership in his engagements within and outside the state. She said the ministry would continue to support the NYCN to enable it achieve its mandates.

    There were also good will messages from stakeholders of the Council made up of past chairmen and leaders, Voluntary Youth Organizations among others.

  • We are interfacing with relevant authorities to fix Calabar-Itu, Ogoja-Bekwarra roads – C’River NYCN Chairman

    We are interfacing with relevant authorities to fix Calabar-Itu, Ogoja-Bekwarra roads – C’River NYCN Chairman

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    Worried by the deplorable state of Calabar-Itu, Akamkpa-Biase, Ogoja-Bekwarra and other federal roads in Cross River, the state chapter chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has disclosed that the apex youth body was in talks with relevant authorities towards finding lasting solutions to the roads and ultimately ameliorate the sufferings of commuters.

    Olayi made this known on Saturday while responding to questions during a press conference at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Calabar the state capital.

    According to him, the Council had met with the minister of youth development during a stakeholders meeting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital and tabled the challenges posed by the deplorable condition of federal roads which have continued to hinder mobility to and from Cross River, with its attendant negative impact on economic activities.

    “I told the minister that we are locked up as a state from the Calabar-Itu axis and then up to the northern flank of the state. I appealed that our challenges be communicated to the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi. However, we have heard and read on pages of newspapers that the Minister of Works has visited these roads and gave assurances of completion,” he said.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Gunmen Abduct Nigerian Road Safety Agency, FRSC Official In Enugu, Demand N50Million Ransom

    Comrade Olayi stated that a coalition of youth leaders in Akwa Ibom and Cross River had proposed the next line of action should the federal government fail to fix the road when the dry season set in.

    “And then very recently I have had intense engagement with critical stakeholders about the roads. These are roads that we all ply, both the young, the old, the political class, the business class, students and every other person. I was informed that the roads would receive attention in due course. I was also told that up north people have already moved to sites, not to fix the roads but to do remedial work, with assurances of swinging into action as the rain subsides.

    “Our task as Council is to monitor closely, and if we don’t see appreciable work as the rain stops, our first duty would be to engage and knock on the doors of everybody whose duty it is to get these roads fixed. We will ask them why and what they say we will come back and tell all of you why they have failed. If there’s need to move to the next scene, we will move to the next scene which is confrontation,” he assured.

  • NYCN urges Cross River youths to stay away from nationwide protest

    NYCN urges Cross River youths to stay away from nationwide protest

    …Opts for constructive dialogue

    By Kelvin Obambon

    The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River chapter has called on youths in the state not to participate in the proposed nationwide protest billed for 1st August, 2024.

    The call was made by the state chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, during a town hall meeting at the Council Secretariat in Calabar on Monday 29 July, 2024.

    Revealing the position of the youth body over the planned nationwide protest, Comrade Olayi stated that while the Council was not unmindful of the prevailing conditions in the country that trigger the call for protest, a more
    constructive approach through dialogue and engagement should rather be adopted towards addressing the issues.

    “I address you today as the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, with a deep sense of responsibility and concern. In light of the prevailing challenges in our nation, there is a planned nationwide protest against bad governance. While the frustrations and grievances that fuel such actions are understood, I appeal to all youths in Cross River State to refrain from participating in this protest.

    “The recent history of protests, particularly the #EndSARS movement, provides a stark reminder of how well-intentioned actions can be hijacked by elements with malicious intent, leading to violence, destruction, and loss of lives and properties. We cannot afford a repeat of such tragic events.

    “While acknowledging the severe economic difficulties and the pressures faced by our people, I believe that protest, in this instance, may not be the most effective means of advocating for change. Instead, I call for a more constructive approach through dialogue and engagement.

    “I assure you that my team and I are committed to addressing your concerns. We are actively engaging with youths across the state to gather first-hand information about your challenges and aspirations. This grassroots approach ensures that we have a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

    “We are advocating for the following measures to alleviate the hardships faced by our youths:

    “Reactivation of the Scholarships Board and Implementation: The leadership of the youths thank the government for reactivating the Scholarships programme and we also urge His Excellency to ensure that the scholarships are readily available and accessible to the youths of Cross River State to promote education and skill development.

    “Bursaries: Providing financial support to Cross River students and youths to ease their academic burdens and encourage higher education.

    “Agricultural and Entrepreneurial Aid: Offering funding and resources to support youth involvement in agriculture and entrepreneurship, fostering self-reliance and economic growth.

    “Job Opportunities: Creating employment opportunities for young people by advertising and recruiting into the State Civil Service.

    “Health Insurance Scheme: Expanding the Cross River Health Insurance Scheme to cover young Cross Riverians, including artisans and unemployed youths, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

    “Infrastructural Development: We commend the current  administration for their strides in Infrastructural development and we urge them to Continue and even expand in key critical infrastructural projects to cover more rural areas, thereby improving living standards and economic opportunities for all.

    “Additionally, we call on the authorities at the local government level to engage with youths in their respective LGAs. Addressing the issues affecting youths at the grassroots level is crucial for fostering a peaceful and harmonious society. By working together, we can build a better Cross River State for everyone.

    “Above all, peace is sacrosanct. As a council and as leaders, we must do everything within our power to sustain peace. It is through dialogue, not protest, that we can achieve meaningful progress.

    “Rest assured, we will relay your concerns directly to the appropriate authorities with the urgency they deserve. Our goal is to ensure that your voices are heard and that concrete actions are taken to alleviate the hardships we all experience.

    “In conclusion, I appeal to your sense of responsibility and patriotism. Let us choose dialogue over protest, and constructive engagement over confrontation. Together, we can work towards a better Cross River State and a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

  • Youth Group Seeks Thorough Implementation Of SDGs In Cross River

    Youth Group Seeks Thorough Implementation Of SDGs In Cross River

    By Our Reporter

    With Nigeria ranked 146 out of 166 countries on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation according to a 2023 report, the National Youth Assembly of Nigeria (NYAN) has inaugurated its Cross River State Executive with a target to upscale the implementation of (SDGs) across the State.

    NYAN says it has identified the slow pace of SDGs implementation in the state and seeks and immediate improvement from the status quo: SDGs report released last year ranked Nigeria amongst 20 least countries in SDGs implementation, with Finland topping the chart with about 86.8 percent, followed by Sweden with 85 percent.

    Shortly after inaugurating the maiden NYAN state Assembly, Ambassador Eugene Ojua, Chairman Electoral Planning Committee, said the key objective is SDGs implementation across the state.

    Ojua said, “It’s a thing of joy that it’s a success. what we’re supposed to achieve is maters that affect the youths. And drafting out SDGs centered policies that can affect the youths positively in close collaboration with the State House of Assembly. So that when such policies are recommended, the State House of Assembly can take them up from there and pass into law.

    Read Also: Parents Demand Justice For 13-Year-Old Son Who Committed Suicide After Being Brutalised By Soldier, Others In Kaduna

    “These policies in question are mainly going to focus on getting the Youth involved in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation in Cross River State.”

    Overall, 18 representatives  representing the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), forming the sate Assembly, while 196 LGA ambassadors  from the wards in the state, with each  ward having one representative form the local government Assemblies. Thus the chapter inaugurated State and local government representatives.

    Elected were Ambassadors Bassey Nton Nton, Speaker state Assembly, Effiom Angela Effefiom, Deputy Speaker, state Assembly, Edet Cletus, Cross River State Southern Representative, and other local government and ward representatives.

    Speaking on political influence, Ambassador Eugene Ojua added that, “we’re already aware of obstacles of politicisation of youth groups, so that’s why we we’re very careful in selecting  our ambassadors, who we believe would strongly represent our views and opinions. We tried as much as possible to limit political influence. We’re trying to work independently as an organization. We’re going to be working more closely with independent organizations rather than politicians.”

  • Torchlighting the Candidature of Emmanuel George Ndoma, Aspirant for NYCN’s State Deputy Chairmanship

    Torchlighting the Candidature of Emmanuel George Ndoma, Aspirant for NYCN’s State Deputy Chairmanship

    Comrade Emmanuel George Ndoma is a native of Ikom Local Government Area. He is a community-centred individual committed to serving and uplifting communities through impactful programmes and he’s deliberate about seeking and creating opportunities in Cross River State and beyond by leveraging his extensive experience in community and organizational leadership to implement impactful initiatives. He loves Community service.

    Emmanuel George Ndoma holds an M.Sc. in Health and Radiation Physics from Akwa Ibom State University, complementing his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from CRUTECH (now UNICROSS), along with a Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) from St. Joseph Comprehensive Secondary School, Ugep.

    As a candidate for the  NYCN state elections, his objective is crystal clear: to provide effective and supportive leadership to the emerging Chairman. Being a young individual with a dynamic mindset, he is confident in his God-given abilities to initiate the necessary change and represent everything that the Youth Council stands for in Cross River State.

    These include: assisting the emerging Chairman and the government in driving community development initiatives, advocating for youth-related issues, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive in various sectors of life. This vision is firmly rooted in his principle of progress and inclusivity, aligning seamlessly with the overarching vision of the NYCN.

    Read Also: Navy Arrests Female Suspect Over Alleged N1.4m Recruitment Fraud, Warns Nigerians Against Impersonators

    The NYCN-CRS leadership, the emerging Chairman, and the entire Youth of CRS require a reliable, dedicated, supportive, trusted, and seasoned administrator as their Deputy Chairman. Someone with a keen understanding of our political landscape and its challenges.

    Emmanuel George Ndoma is committed to injecting fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to propel the NYCN vision forward. Ndoma’s candidacy represents a fusion of youthful ambition and seasoned insight, aimed at revitalizing our governance structures and amplifying the voices of those traditionally underrepresented in political discourse. This is the change we need, and with him in the coming administration, we can make it happen.

    Ndoma runs a global platform called RESET. A platform that has recorded tremendous success in reaching out to participants from 27 states and 3 African countries since it was founded in 2018. RESET has inspired several young people and organizations who are actively participating in nation-building both within and outside the State.

    In 2021, Ndoma was elected the Public Relations Officer for the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, Ikom Chapter and he’s also a member of the State planning committee of NYCN Sport Fiesta.

    Interesting to mention, that Emmanuel George Ndoma is also an alumnus of the School of Politics, Policies and Governance (SPPG) where he obtained a certificate in Public Leadership and Policy; the Electoral College where he completed a course on Politeracy and Governance; and the Tekedia Institute, among others. Ndoma is a member of Toastmasters International and a member of the Nigeria Institute of Physics (MNIP).

    Furthermore, he has participated in several trainings such as: Intensive Capacity Building and Development of Local Content on the Use of Synthetic Aperture Radar for Tackling Environmental and Security Challenges in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria, 2023; The COVID-19 Contact Tracing by John Hopkins University in 2022; Global Leadership Summits; Imperatives of Cutting-Edge Research in Rebranding of Universities by Researchers Journal of Science and Technology (REJOST). Ndoma has authored and coauthored academic articles in high-impact journals. Ndoma has received several commendation letters and certificates including from National Youth Services Corps (NYSC) for his transforming initiatives in nation-building and Community Service/Development.

    This portfolio represents his unwavering commitment to serving the Cross River State Youth and our community while being a perfect and integral ingredient to the leadership of NYCN. From his proven track record of achievements to his comprehensive platform aimed at addressing the needs of our constituents, Ndoma is very ready to serve the Youth leadership and the entire Youth with a high sense of passion and purpose.

    Therefore, as he embarks on this journey, let us not allow another change-maker to slip the corridors of youth leadership. Let us all support Comrade Emmanuel George Ndoma to emerge as State Deputy Chairman, NYCN-CRS. Together, we can make a positive difference and create a thriving community that we can all be proud of!

  • NYCN Election: The Right Thing Should Be Done – Stakeholders Insist

    NYCN Election: The Right Thing Should Be Done – Stakeholders Insist

     

    By Kelvin Obambon

    For the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Cross River State chapter to effectively fulfill its core mandate of grooming future leaders, the processes for electing its own leadership must be devoid of illegalities.

    This was the position of stakeholders of the NYCN at an elaborate engagement with the Cross River State Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr Ijom Ukam, in Calabar on Tuesday.

    The stakeholders, comprising former NYCN state chairmen, executive committee members, central planning committee members, eleco members, amongst others, observed that in recent time elections into the Council were fraught with so much illegalities, lamenting that the practice had not augur well for the NYCN as a body saddled with the responsibility of leadership training and mentorship.

    They commended the Commissioner for the decision to bring everyone on board for the forthcoming election, saying it was a right step towards a credible and transparent electoral process. They affirmed that it was now time to right the wrongs upon which previous leadership of the Council rode to power by ensuring that the forthcoming election in the state conforms to the provisions of NYCN constitution.

    Read Also: Peter Obi makes U-turn as he endorses Julius Abure-led Labour Party

    The Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr Ijom Ukam, however assured the stakeholders that as a ministry with supervisory role over the NYCN, the election would be transparent, because according to him, no one would be left in the dark about the electoral process.

    While clarifying that there was no special interest in the youth council election, the Commissioner however stated that the ministry was deeply concerned about the negative press generated recently by activities of the NYCN with regards to the forthcoming poll.

    Barr. Ukam thanked the stakeholders for finding time to attend the meeting, stating that their contributions would guide the ministry to come up with a template for the effective conduct of the election. He also suggested regular interface between the ministry and the stakeholders, emphasizing that no one would be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the NYCN, even as he stressed the need for everyone to be on the same page.

    Meanwhile, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Omang Charles, who attended the meeting, said a five-man committee would be set up to thoroughly look at the NYCN constitution in order to set things right.

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duty, Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, in his remarks, said that it was the responsibility of the stakeholders to decide on the kind of leadership that would work for the good of NYCN and the state at large.

    “We owe ourselves and the younger generation a duty to fine tune the process. I want us to have for the first time an election that will be shown on the television”, he said.

  • NYCN organises leadership symposium for Senior Secondary School Students in Anambra

    NYCN organises leadership symposium for Senior Secondary School Students in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State Council, has organized a leadership symposium for senior secondary school students and undergraduates in the state.

    The symposium according to the Convener and the Director of Directors, NYCN Anambra State, Hon Ayiba Kenneth Ejike, was
    aimed at equipping the students on how to become useful to themselves, families, school and the society at large.

    “There is a total decay in the present society, hence, the need to train, direct and catch them young, so that they can focus on their carrier and their future and in turned help the society.

    “At the end of the event, the participants will learned  a lot of things like; ICT innovation, business orientation, human right laws and other societal knowledge that will enable them to exploit and be productive.

    Read Also: KURIGA KIDNAP: Further Attacks On Students Will Aggravate Out Of School Children— Peter Obi

    Hon Ejike who is also the State Director of Democratic and Good Governance, called on well-to-do Nigerians and Civil Society Organizations to support the Council in the fight against crime in the country

    In his brief remark, the State Chairman of NYCN, Comrade Obi Emeka, while commending governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, for making the event a huge success, said the Symposium will be made an annual program as part of the NYCN contribution to fight against the menace of drug abuses, cultism, sexual harassment and other social vises among students.

    In their similar speeches on integrity, the Guest Speakers, Barrister Obinna Maduro of the State Coordinator, National Human Right Commission (NHRC), Hon Nwamaka Arize, MD/CEO, Anambra State Oxygen Production Plant, Hon. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to Soludo on Innovation and Rev. Ositadimma Amakeze, call on the state government to partner with the NYCN to sustained the advocacy for a better society.

    One of the student, Ms Miracle Chineyerem, who spoke on behalf of others, while commending NYCN for the event, said they will make use of the knowledge they have acquired to better their lives and the society as a whole.

    The programme with the Theme “Catch Them Young For A Healthy, Prosperous And Livable Anambra” which took at Prof Kenneth Dike Library Awka, on Thursday, also has the presence of the State  Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha-mba, NYCN Deputy National President, Amb. Innocent Nduanya, the Dean, Faculty of Physical Science, Chukwumemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam-Anambra, Prof Kingsley Nwozor, among others.