Comrade Akoshile Mukhtar, the current vice president (North Central) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of National President of the Council, citing “the urgency of now” and a pressing need for transformative leadership that truly represents the hopes and aspirations of Nigerian youths.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, Mukhtar addressed youth stakeholders, civil society groups, and the media with a passionate call to “repurpose” the NYCN to meet modern challenges confronting the youth demographic in Nigeria.
“I address you this morning with a heart brewing with humility, purpose and indebtedness to the visions of the founding fathers of the NYCN,” he said. “The innovative power of young people remains the driving force behind the greatness of our country.”
Founded in 1964 and officially recognized by the Nigerian government in 1990, the NYCN is the umbrella body for youth organizations across the country and serves as the statutory body responsible for youth policy formulation and implementation.
However, Mukhtar emphasized that the Council now stands at a critical juncture where it must go beyond “ceremonial leadership” to champion real, measurable change.
He described his declaration not as an ambition but as a call to duty.
“This declaration is compelled by the emergency to match words with action, replace mediocrity with distinction, and revive dying hopes with renewed hope,” he stated.
Akoshile’s campaign is centered around the theme, “The Urgency of Now,” which underscores the pressing need to reposition Nigerian youths at the core of national development efforts.
He lamented the growing challenges confronting young people in the country, from unemployment and insecurity to exclusion from governance and economic planning.
He unveiled his leadership vision as “empowering Nigerian youths to actively participate in national development and shape the country’s future.”
His mission, he said, would be to provide effective leadership and expand access to opportunities that ignite youth potential and drive positive change.
Mukhtar also introduced a values-based leadership agenda using the acronym YOUTHS, which stands for:” Youthful – Harnessing energy, dynamism, and fresh perspectives.
“Opportunity – Providing access to growth and development, Unity – Promoting inclusivity and togetherness.
“Transparency – Upholding accountability in governance, Honesty – Demonstrating integrity in leadership, Service – Prioritizing service to others and the nation.”
Highlighting his extensive background in youth development, Mukhtar noted that he has served with passion, influenced policy, and built bridges between young people and the government.
He said his candidacy represents both continuity and change. “I present my humble self to you, not as a new face but as the face of change,” he said. “At this hour, I vow to serve better as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.”
