A youth advocacy group, the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his continued faith in Nigerian youths and civil society organizations, following the appointment of Solomon Adodo as a board member of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

In a statement jointly signed by Danesi Momoh, National Coordinator, and Igwe Ude-Umanta, National Secretary of EUYI, the group described the appointment as a significant step toward deeper youth inclusion in national development.

The appointment, approved on Thursday, 8 May 2025, was hailed by the group as a recognition of Adodo’s longstanding commitment to grassroots mobilization and youth advocacy. EUYI described him as a “brilliant head and capable hand” whose values align with the vision of the commission.

Before becoming President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Adodo had served as the pioneer National Coordinator of EUYI, where he was vocal on issues of youth unemployment and underemployment. The group expressed confidence that his new role at the NCDC would extend the reach of his advocacy and benefit rural communities across the region.

“His appointment gives him the opportunity to take his years-long work for humanity to a greater height,” the statement read, adding that Adodo’s principles are rooted in youth empowerment and defense of the underprivileged.

EUYI also expressed gratitude to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his role in the appointment, describing him as a consistent mentor to many young Nigerian leaders.

However, the group criticized what it termed a “mischievous campaign” launched by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, led by one Aliyu Kwali, over Adodo’s appointment. The statement dismissed objections to his alleged origin, labeling them as divisive and baseless.

“It is a fallacy of the highest order to begin to screen some Nigerians out,” the group warned, urging restraint from those challenging the appointment.

The group maintained that the NCDC board position was based on merit, not sentiment, and encouraged detractors to await their own recognition in due time.