…calls for more roles for women in politics, governance

Former Chairperson of the Edo State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Sarah Igunbor, has been elected as the Social Secretary of the NYCN National Executive, where she will serve a four-year term.

Her emergence followed a consensus victory at the just-concluded National Unity Elective Congress of the NYCN, held in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

The Returning Officer for the Congress, Dr. Bethel Oko-Jaja, officially announced Igunbor as the winner after other aspirants for the position stepped down and declared their support for the female youth leader from Edo State, South-South, Nigeria.

Igunbor, who also served as Senior Special Assistant to former Governor Godwin Obaseki on Political Liaison (Digital Media), brings to her new role a proven record in youth advocacy and empowerment, grassroots mobilization, and inclusive leadership that have left a clear imprint on youth development in Edo State.

The Congress witnessed a large turnout, including former NYCN leaders, state chapters, and around 2,000 members from affiliated Voluntary Youth Organisations across the country.

Sara-Igbe Sukubo from Rivers State, was aldo re-elected as President of the NYCN for a second term of four years, alongside the deputy President (South), Innocent Nduanya and some key members of the National Executive Committee of NYCN. Gara Nongha emerged as the new Secretary-General and Akoshile Mukhtar as the new Deputy President (North).

In her remarks, Igunbor pledged to draw on her background in youth development to foster inclusivity, and push policies that advance the interests of young Nigerians, especially creating more opportunities for the girl child.

Thanking delegates and members of NYCN for the confidence, she also called for more roles for women in politics and governance, stressing that women must be given equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

According to her, “Our generation must take its rightful place in shaping Nigeria’s future. To achieve that, women must be given greater space in politics and governance. Equal opportunities for the girl-child are a necessity for genuine nation-building.

“I am glad to be adding my voice, not only to ensure that young people remain at the forefront of national development, but also to use this new office to push for greater inclusion of women in leadership and governance.”

In his comments, the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, congratulated the Sukubo-led National Youth Council executives and emphasised that addressing youth unemployment and introducing focused educational programs are key measures in reducing restiveness and related social challenges.

The Governor highlighted that the Bayelsa State Government has prioritised these areas, recognising the pivotal role they play in fostering a more stable and prosperous society for young people in the State.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DSP Musa Mohammed, called on Nigerian youths to avoid crime and violence.