…Ooni, Sultan, Others To Grace Event
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has tipped President Bola Tinubu for its Grand Patron Award.
The, award ceremony, slated for Saturday December 7, will hold at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The event, which is being hosted by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will have the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III co-chairing it.
A statement signed by the President of the NYCN, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, said the ceremony is part of the events lined up for the 60th anniversary celebration of the NYCN.
Erudite scholar and former Director of Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Commission, Professor Patrick Lumumba, and the founder of the Economic Freedom Fighters of South Africa, Julius Malema are expected to speak at the occasion.
According to the organisers, The event, themed: ’60 Years of NYCN: Reflecting on the Past, Maximizing the Present, and Shaping the Future,’ will have the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande as the special guest.
Additionally, th NYCN Matron Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich will also be in attendance.
Other highlights of the event include a youth empowerment luncheon, cultural exhibitions, and a parade by NYCN uniformed organisations.
Key stakeholders, including state governors, ministers, state commissioners of youth, captains of industry, and youth leaders from across the country are also expected to attend the ceremony.
The statement added that past leaders of NYCN will be recognised for their outstanding contributions to youth development.
The organisers say the gathering will serve as an occasion for reflection, recognition of past achievements, and renewed commitment to shaping the future of Nigerian youth.
“Since its establishment in 1964, the NYCN has grown to become the foremost umbrella body representing Nigerian youth organisations, with a broad network spanning the entire country.
“The Council consists of key members, including the National Executive Council, State Chairpersons, and 774 Local Government Coordinators.
“It also boasts over 100 Member Voluntary Youth Organisations (VYOs), with a collective membership exceeding 40 million individuals. These figures underscore the far-reaching influence and critical role the NYCN plays in shaping the future of Nigerian youth.
“In its 60 years of existence, the NYCN has cemented its position as a registered affiliate and influential member of major international youth bodies, including the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) and the Pan-African Youth Union (PYU).
“This affiliation has allowed the NYCN to engage in key discussions and activities impacting youth both locally and globally.
“As part of its commitment to empowering Nigerian youths, the NYCN has been at the forefront of several initiatives aimed at fostering youth engagement, participation, and leadership development.
“Over the years, the Council has facilitated numerous programmes, including youth entrepreneurship and skills development workshops, leadership training, and advocacy for policies that promote the welfare and future of Nigerian youth.
“These efforts have contributed to creating a generation of young Nigerians who are actively participating in nation-building and leadership.
“The NYCN has also played a pivotal role in promoting youth involvement in national governance, encouraging the youth to take an active part in the democratic process.
“It has advocated for youth inclusion in decision-making processes and worked to create platforms for young people to engage with leaders at all levels. In recognition of these efforts, the NYCN has become a trusted voice in the national discourse on youth and development,” the statement said.
NYCN calls on all Nigerian youths, youth development stakeholders, and all those passionate about the nation’s future to join the occasion.
The event, the Council said, provides the opportunity to reflect on the its achievements, celebrate its growth, and look forward to continued leadership and transformation of Nigerian youth.
“Let us come together to honour the past, engage in the present, and inspire the future of Nigerian youth”, it added.
The ceremony is expected to be attended virtually and physically by over 200,000 Nigerian youths, the Council said.
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