News

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

Published

2 years 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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Politics

APC Alleges Atiku, ADC Plot to Undermine Kaduna Campaign Flag-Off

Published

4 hours ago

October 24, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of allegedly orchestrating a disinformation campaign to discredit the party’s presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the council’s spokesperson, Dele Alake, alleged that the former vice president and the ADC planned to circulate fake news, manipulated documents and doctored videos to undermine the campaign, President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other APC leaders.
Alake claimed that the alleged disinformation campaign involved the use of artificial intelligence, deepfake videos, counterfeit documents and social media platforms to manipulate public opinion.
According to him, the alleged plot had already begun with the circulation of a photograph showing a security vehicle on routine patrol near an APC campaign billboard in Kaduna metropolis.

He alleged that the image was misrepresented to suggest that security personnel had been deployed to protect APC billboards, adding that the narrative was subsequently published by a national newspaper and shared by Atiku on his official social media accounts.

The APC spokesperson further alleged that another document had been circulated online, purportedly showing a letter from Governor Uba Sani to the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, concerning an alleged release of ₦2.3 trillion by the Kaduna State Government to host the rally.

Describing the claim as baseless, Alake questioned the possibility of a state government spending such an amount on a political rally.

He noted that Kaduna State’s budgets for 2024, 2025 and 2026 stood at ₦458.271 billion, ₦790.439 billion and ₦985.9 billion, respectively.

According to him, the combined budgets for the three years amounted to less than ₦2.3 trillion, which he cited as evidence to challenge the claim circulating online.

Alake also alleged that the ADC and Atiku’s supporters were preparing to circulate old, manipulated and deepfake videos during the rally to create the impression of public resentment against the APC.

The council urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and verify information before sharing it, warning against the spread of misleading content on social media and other platforms.It further accused Atiku and the ADC of resorting to what it described as desperate tactics to gain political advantage ahead of future electoral contests.

The allegations were contained in a statement signed by Alake on behalf of the APC Presidential Campaign Council on Saturday.Atiku Abubakar and the ADC’s response to the allegations was not included in the statement.

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