Rivers State born, Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo has been re-elected as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for a second term of four-years.
Sukubo secured a landslide victory in a keenly contested National Unity Elective Congress of NYCN held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Sukubo secured an impressive 756 votes to defeat his closest rival, Elizabeth Olawande from the South-West, who polled 32 votes, and another opponent Usaini Mohammad Kaoje from the North-West, who secured 11 votes.
Three other presidential candidates from the North including Comr. Umaru Lauwa and Comr. Ibrahim Ismaila 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 NYCN were also re-elected alongside Sukubo while Comr. Gara Soyonga Nongha emerged as the new Secretary-General and Comr. Akoshile Mukhtar as the new Deputy President – North.
The Returning Officer of the National Elective Congress of NYCN, Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, officially declared the election results, announcing the victory of Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo and other elected officials.
Dr. Oko-Jaja revealed that 42 members of the National Executive Committee of NYCN, comprising both returning and new members, emerged unopposed for various national positions, thereby affirming their leadership roles within the Youth Council.
He stated that the outcome of the election reflects the results compiled by the impartial and unbiased National Electoral Committee of the Youth Council.
In an acceptance speech, the newly re-elected President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu; the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
As well as, the Minister of Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande; the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; and his elder brother and mentor, the Founder and President of Belemaoil Producing Limited, Engr. Tein T.S. Jack-Rich, for their sustained support to the Youth Council particularly for ensuring the successful conduct of the national elective congress.
He also acknowledged the partnership and support of the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the Department of State Services, and both arms of the National Assembly for NYCN, which, he said, also contributed to the success of its congress.
Amb. 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.
Sukubo said this would provide a robust legislative framework, empowering the Youth Council to effectively amplify the voices of Nigerian youths nationwide and implement impactful developmental projects and programs tailored to their needs.
In a remark, the Governor of Bayelsa State, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, congratulated the newly re-elected Sukubo-led National Executives of the Youth Council and called on governments at all levels to rally around them with necessary support to enable them to succeed in office.
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He emphasized that tackling youth unemployment and implementing targeted education initiatives are crucial strategies for mitigating youth restiveness and other associated social vices.
The Commissioner 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.
Also, Dr. Adebayo Adesoji, who represented the Senate Committee Chairman on Youth and Community Engagement and Spokesperson of the 10th Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, assured that the Senate is committed to facilitating the passage of the National Youth Council Bill currently pending before it.
He noted that this landmark legislation aims to provide Nigerian youths with a greater sense of belonging and inclusivity in governance, ultimately empowering them to contribute more meaningfully to the country’s development.
At the National Elective Congress, the National Youth Council of Nigeria also announced the expulsion of the following persons: Oscar Kalu, Ifeanyi Uzo, Dickson Aku, and thirty others from the Council for various grievous constitutional infractions.
