National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the leadership of Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, has announced series of activities marking the 60th anniversary celebration of the Council.
A statement signed by Sukubo, the NYCN President and Secretary, Board of Trustees, made available to Tribune Online, said as part of the landmark event, the Council will confer its highest honor, the Grand Patron of Nigerian Youths award on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while adding that past leaders of NYCN will be also be recognised for their outstanding contributions to youth development in a ceremony to be attended virtually and physically by over 200,000 Nigerian youths.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Council 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 Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement added Rivers State governor, Sim Fubara, will be the chief host while the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, 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, who is the NYCN Royal Father of Nigerian Youths while the Council’s matron, Dr Elizabeth Jack-Rich, will also be in attendance.
The occasion will feature a keynote address to be delivered by renowned Kenyan lawyer and activist, Professor 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 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 organisations. The anniversary celebration will bring together key stakeholders, including state governors, ministers, 36 state Commissioners of Youth Affairs, captains of industry, and youth leaders from across the country.
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.
