Rivers State-born Sukubo Sara-Igbe has been re-elected as the president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for a second term of four years.
Sukubo was reelected at the national unity elective congress of the NYCN, held from Monday to Tuesday in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
Announcing the result of the election, the Returning Officer, Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, declared that Sukubo garnered 756 votes to defeat his closest rival, Elizabeth Olawande from the South-West, who polled 32 votes, and another opponent, Usaini Kaoje from the North-West, who secured 11 votes.
Three other presidential candidates from the North, including Comr. Umaru Lauwa and Comr. Ibrahim Adejoh stepped down from the race in support of Sukubo’s re-election bid.
The Deputy President (South) Comr. Innocent Nduanya and some key members of the National Executive Committee of the NYCN were also re-elected alongside Sukubo, while Comrade Gara Nongha emerged as the new secretary-general and Comrade Akoshile Mukhtar as the new deputy president (North).
In his acceptance speech, Sukubo pledged to redouble his efforts in his second term, intensifying his commitment to youth development and empowerment initiatives, and undertaking even more impactful projects for the betterment of Nigeria’s vast and vibrant youth constituency.
He urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the National Youth Council Bill currently pending before it, ensuring swift transmission to the president for assent.
“We believe that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu has done a lot for the youth constituency.
“This includes even the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), whose allowances have been significantly improved under this administration.
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“The student loan scheme introduced by the president is also a remarkable development for the student community.
“In addition, the recently passed national budget includes significant allocations for youth-focused development projects and funding for small-scale businesses under various presidential initiatives channeled through the youth council.
“The president is also proposing a national youth conference, where young people can come together to shape and decide their future.
“However, we are appealing to the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the National Youth Council Bill currently before them. This bill should be passed and signed by the president before the end of the year.
“That is our dream. With it, we will be able to support even the rural, local, and community-based youths, giving them a voice and access to impactful developmental projects and programs annually,” Sukubo said.
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, congratulated the Sukubo-led National Youth Council executives and emphasized that addressing youth unemployment and introducing focused educational programs are key measures in reducing restiveness and related social challenges.
The governor highlighted that the Bayelsa State government has prioritized these areas, recognizing the pivotal role they play in fostering a more stable and prosperous society for young people in the state.
