The Forum of State Chairmen of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has launched a nationwide skill development program, “One Youth, One Skill Initiative,” to combat youth restiveness and promote economic empowerment.

The launch of the programme follows the reconstitution of the NYCN’s key leadership structures, the Forum of State Chairmen and South-South State Chairmen Forum, aimed at strengthening and rejuvenating the council’s leadership at national and zonal levels.

Speaking after he emerged as the new Chairman of the Forum during a delegates congress held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Abdul-Quadri Abdul-Salam noted that the initiative is aimed at equipping youths with marketable skills, discouraging idleness, and promote productivity, creativity, self-reliance, and youth entrepreneurship.

Abdul-Salam, Oyo State Chairman, was elected Chairman of the Forum of State Chairmen, while Kenneth Okorie took over as Chairman of the South-South State Chairmen Forum.

He urged members to seek strategic partnerships with governments, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to implement the initiative in their respective states.

He said, “The program is expected to drive meaningful youth development initiatives and promote unity among member states.”

The President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, who spoke to newsmen during the congresses, said the move aims to strengthen and rejuvenate the leadership structures of the Youth Council at national and zonal levels.

He charged the new leaders to provide vibrant, proactive, responsive, selfless, and innovative leadership that adapts to evolving global trends in youth development.

The newly inducted members of the Forum of State Chairmen and the South-South Chairmen Forum pledged to contribute positively to the Forums’ growth, working collectively to realize the shared vision of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.

They said that through collaborative efforts, they aim to drive meaningful youth development initiatives and promote unity among member states.