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60th Anniversary: NYCN to confer award on Tinubu, past leaders

Published

12 months ago

December 6, 2024

In celebration of its 60 years of existence, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has said it has concluded plans to confer the Grand Patron of Nigerian Youths award on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement on Thursday, signed by Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo
NYCN President and Secretary, Board of Trustees, the council said past leaders of NYCN will also be recognized for their outstanding contributions to youth development in a ceremony to be attended virtually and physically by over 200,000 Nigerian youths.

The statement read: “The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, is proud to announce a landmark event celebrating six decades of impactful youth leadership.

“As part of this milestone, the Council will confer its highest honor, the Grand Patron of Nigerian Youths award, on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Additionally, past leaders of NYCN will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to youth development in a ceremony to be attended virtually and physically by over 200,000 Nigerian youths.

“Since its establishment in 1964, the NYCN has grown to become the foremost umbrella body representing Nigerian youth organizations, 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 Organizations (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.

“To commemorate its 60th anniversary, NYCN will host a grand event themed “60 Years of NYCN: Reflecting on the Past, Maximizing the Present, and Shaping the Future,” which will take place on December 7, 2024, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia, Port Harcourt.

“The occasion will be hosted by the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, and will be overseen by the Honorable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who will serve as the Special Guest.

“The event will be graced by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Majesty Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who will co-chair the occasion with His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the NYCN Royal Father of Nigerian Youths. Additionally, NYCN Matron Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich will also be in attendance.

“The occasion will feature a keynote address by renowned Kenyan lawyer and activist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, who will share insights on the theme of the celebration. The President of the Economic Freedom Fighters in South Africa, Comrade Julius Malema, will also deliver a guest speech on the theme, offering his perspective on youth leadership in Africa.

“Other highlights of the event include a youth empowerment luncheon, cultural exhibitions, and a parade by NYCN uniformed organizations.

*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 programs, 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.

“This grand anniversary celebration will bring together key stakeholders, including state governors, ministers, 36 state commissioners of youth, captains of industry, and youth leaders from across the country. The gathering will serve as an opportunity for reflection, recognition of past achievements, and renewed commitment to shaping the future of Nigerian youth.

“NYCN calls on all Nigerian youths, youth development stakeholders, and all those passionate about the nation’s future to join this momentous occasion. It is a time to reflect on the Council’s achievements, celebrate its growth, and look forward to continued leadership and transformation of Nigerian youth. Let us come together to honor the past, engage in the present, and inspire the future of Nigerian youth.”

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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

2 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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