Following last week's resignation of the former President of
the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ikenga Ugochinyere, the group has
elected a new leadership with the former Chairman Kogi State chapter, Oladele
John Nihi, emerging the president of the council.
Nihi defeated four others in the keenly contested election
at the just-concluded unity congress of the council held in Abuja, to succeed
Ugochinyere.
Ugochinyere had in a press conference last week announced
his resignation as the president of the council, citing his "deep
involvement in opposition politics".
In his valedictory speech, Ugochinyere announced that the
council will honour some personalities.
He said the honours were in recognition of their outstanding
contributions and appreciation of their sterling performance in guiding the
Nigerian youth and giving hope to the young generation.
"As father of the nation, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has
never failed to speak truth to power even at the risk of his life. As the
defender of constitutional governance and parliamentary independence, Dr.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki, preached and lived the independence of the parliament.
"Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara as the champion of democracy
showed yet again to the world that with the independence of the parliament,
democracy is strengthened. These two gentlemen as presiding officers, recorded
for the 8th Assembly the best performances by any particular session of the
National Assembly."
"For Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, he is the protector
of the Rivers Commonwealth and Champion of democracy. Everybody will agree that
Governor Wike, more than any other thing, has protected his people against the
invading anti=democratic forces and even also at the risk of his life. Mr.
Benedict Peters is the first ever life
patron of the Youth Council.
"He stood with the Council. His love for Nigerian
youths is legendary. He singlehandedly sponsors the Nigerian Football
Federation and he sponsors the Confederation of African Football awards."
Ugochinyere urged the newly-elected president to keep the
focus, unite the family and also endeavour to carry everyone along as much as
possible.
"We have run our race; it is now your turn. Do not fail
to speak for the youths; it is their sacred mandate that you hold," he
added
In his acceptance
speech, Nihi promised to serve with
every sense of responsibility and commitment that far exceeds any personal
interest.
He urged those who do not share in their aspiration to come
together and let go of their pettiness.
He said, "The election is over, and we hope we can find
a common ground to align for the emancipation of Nigerian youths. Now, let us
have no more abuse, division and pettiness. Let us be better than that. Let us
make a new start, and move forward to meet the great challenges ahead."
NEC member are Ajuriebele Emere, Deputy President, Chinedu
Nwajiofor; Secretary General; Aliyu
Shehu, Assistant Secretary; Ugo Apuamaga, Treasurer, and Abdullahi Zanna, Financial Secretary.
Others are Henrietta Okoli, Assistant Financial Secretary;
Oluwatobi Jimoh, PRO,; Peter Abang, Legal Adviser; Opeyemi Aderinto, Auditor;
Blessing Okwe, Social Director; Samson Kadiri,
Organising Secretary FCT and Ganiyu Abolarin, Organising Secretary,
Kwara.
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