By Mark Eneng
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has declared that the body remains the only constitutionally recognized umbrella platform for youths in the state, directing all youth organizations to operate within its statutory framework.
The resolution formed part of decisions reached at an enlarged meeting of the State Management Committee (SMC) held in Calabar, where the council also approved the constitution of Senatorial Advisory Councils to strengthen coordination and youth engagement across the state.
The committee equally passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the State Chairman, H.Y. Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, reaffirming its unwavering support for the current State Executive Council and calling on all youth leaders to respect constituted authorities at every level.
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As part of efforts to strengthen institutional coordination, the SMC directed all youth organizations operating in the state to register with the council for proper identification, integration, and effective collaboration in advancing youth development initiatives.
Addressing the meeting, former State Chairman of the council, Snr. Comrade Okori Bernard Oko, reaffirmed the legal status of NYCN as the only youth body for all the youths. He explained that the council was established by an Act of Parliament and remains legally recognized, noting that no law has repealed or diminished its constitutional mandate.
Also speaking, Comrade Ndiyo Ndiyo, a former State Chairman, expressed concerns over what he described as attempts by certain groups and individuals to undermine the autonomy and statutory authority of the council, While acknowledging that there were some legal disputes arising from the development which have been resolved and urged the current leadership to adopt dialogue and other diplomatic measures in managing the affairs of the organization.
Presiding over the meeting, State Chairman of NYCN, H.Y. Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, commended members and stakeholders for their continued commitment and support.
He also called for peaceful coexistence among individual youth, while assuring them of improved welfare, transparent leadership and announced some available empowerment opportunities.
Olayi, while expressing appreciations to the Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” government, commended him for initiating aggressive infrastructural development across the state, noting that the statewide tour embarked upon by the council, provided an opportunity to discover first-hand the governor’s impactful projects either completed or ongoing in all the LGAs.
The meeting also deliberated on the growing security challenges confronting communities across the state, particularly the reported infiltration of rural areas by suspected herdsmen and other unidentified persons. Stakeholders warned that, the trend poses a serious threat to lives and property and called for closer collaboration between the Youth Council and traditional institutions, to enhance community security.
The SMC also received reports from the local government chapters and the three senatorial districts, on activities and the challenges within their respective jurisdictions.
To further advance the resolutions reached at the meeting, the SMC constituted two ad-hoc committees, viz:
A Communiqué Drafting Committee (To draft and document the resolutions for onwards transmission to relevant authorities) and a Reconciliation Committee, charged with fostering unity and strengthening cohesion among youth leaders in the council.
The meeting climaxed with the symbolic cutting of a cake to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the Emmanuel Olayi-led State Executive Council.
The State Management Committee, which is the highest decision-making organ of the NYCN, was attended by past and present leaders of the council at both the state and national levels.
