CALABAR – The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, His Youthfulness Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, has emphasised the need for all youth organisations operating within the state to register and affiliate with the council for proper synchronisation of their activities.
He stated that the NYCN is an umbrella body for youths and operates independently of political parties or government, though it partners with the government for peacebuilding and development.
Comr. Olayi made this statement during the first State Executive Council meeting of 2025 held at the Administrative Block of the Cross River State Youth House in Calabar.
He welcomed members back from the 2024 festivities and expressed optimism about the council’s projected progress for 2025. He urged the executive council members to remain steadfast, innovative, and committed to achieving the council’s goals.
2024 Achievements Highlighted
During the meeting, the Chairman reviewed the council’s achievements in 2024, which included:
- A free medical outreach programme.
- The “Dialogue Over Protest” campaign against poor governance.
- Cross River State’s active participation in national youth engagements, such as the review of the National Youth Policy (2018–2023) and NYCN at 60 celebrations.
- Payment of subventions to all council structures.
- Participation in the 7th National Council of Youth Development meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State.
- Training youths in agricultural value chains.
- Distribution of Christmas and New Year packages to youth organizations and stakeholders across the state.
Comr. Olayi also outlined plans to give the Cross River State Youth House a facelift, including structural renovations, electricity installation, water reticulation, and improved signage.
Reports from Senatorial Districts
Vice Chairmen from the state’s three senatorial districts presented performance reports:
- Comr. Patrick Wonah (Northern District): Reported efforts in discouraging youth participation in protests, conducting rallies against restiveness, and promoting community dialogue.
- Comr. Evalsam Ekpe (Central District): Highlighted the NYCN tour of six local government areas and engagement with stakeholders. He also reported a leadership crisis in one community due to resource discovery, calling for intervention.
- Hon. Prince Ojoi (Southern District): Praised the prevailing peace and thanked the state government for creating leadership opportunities for youths.
The Chairman commended the proactive efforts of the vice chairmen and emphasised the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to explore the state’s wealth for youth development.
2025 Calendar and Elections
Comr. Olayi announced the council’s activities for the 2025 calendar year and plans to unveil the work plan officially. He advised the council executives to ensure fairness, affordability, and inclusivity in the upcoming local government elections, emphasising the need to recruit progressive leaders for the council.
The Chairman expressed gratitude to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, First Lady Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, and the Commissioner for Youth Development for their support.
He concluded by charging the executive council to ensure the council remains a safe and conducive space for all youths, urging them to seek opportunities for the growth of Cross River youths.
Converseer reports that the meeting was attended by the vice chairmen of the three senatorial districts and all state executives of the council.