The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has announced plans to confer its highest honor, the Grand Patron of Nigerian Youths award, on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, the NYCN President made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday as part of the activities marking the 60th Anniversary celebration of the youth organization.
The event which will be hosted by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and will be overseen by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, as the Special Guest.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, will co-chair the occasion with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the NYCN Royal Father of Nigerian Youths and NYCN Matron Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich will also be in attendance.
The occasion will also 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, is also expected to deliver a guest speech on the theme, offering his perspective on youth leadership in Africa.
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.
The President said since inception 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.”
Sara-Igbe Sukubo said, “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.
“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,” he said.