By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Ambassador 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, following a landslide victory at the National Unity Elective Congress held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Sukubo secured 756 votes to defeat Elizabeth Olawande of the South-West, who polled 32 votes, and Usaini Mohammad Kaoje of the North-West, who garnered 11 votes. According to Returning Officer Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, three other northern candidates—Comr. Umaru Lauwa, Comr. Ibrahim Ismaila Adejoh, and one other—stepped down to support Sukubo’s re-election.
Other officers elected include Comr. Innocent Nduanya, who was re-elected Deputy President (South), Comr. Gara Soyonga Nongha as Secretary-General, and Comr. Akoshile Mukhtar as Deputy President (North).
In his acceptance speech, Sukubo pledged to strengthen youth empowerment programs and urged the National Assembly to pass the pending National Youth Council Bill before the end of the year for presidential assent. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for raising National Youth Service Corps allowances, introducing a student loan scheme, and allocating significant funds for youth-focused initiatives in the 2025 budget.
“The NYCN Bill will empower rural youths and amplify their voices,” Sukubo said, while endorsing the proposed National Youth Conference to shape Nigeria’s youth agenda.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth Development Alfred Kemepado, representing Governor Douye Diri, highlighted the state’s efforts to reduce unemployment and promote education. He said youth inclusion in governance had contributed to peace in Bayelsa.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DSP Musa Mohammed, urged youths to avoid crime and embrace positive change, stressing that stable NYCN leadership could help combat social vices.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, represented by Adebayo Adesoji, reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to passing the NYCN Bill.
Meanwhile, the congress expelled Oscar Kalu, Ifeanyi Uzo, Dickson Aku, and 30 others for constitutional violations.
The event was attended by about 2,000 members, including former NYCN leaders, state chapter representatives, and affiliated voluntary youth organizations.
Sukubo 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 their support in ensuring a transparent and peaceful election.
