Annum Terhile has been elected president of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) at the organisation’s national convention held on Saturday in Abuja.

He was inaugurated alongside executive members drawn from across the country by the board of trustees led by Yakubu Shendam.

In his acceptance speech, Terhile said he was ready to partner with federal government agencies and the private sector to address youth unemployment through skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives.

He stressed that the NYC under his leadership would prioritise collaborations with government at all levels, the private sector, and international partners with credible development programmes to create sustainable opportunities for young people to excel and contribute to Nigeria’s economy.

Terhile highlighted some of the challenges confronting Nigerian youths, including unemployment, underemployment, and limited access to platforms where they can hone and showcase their talents. He noted that despite a slight drop in youth unemployment from 8.0 percent to 7.5 percent, much more remained to be done.

He warned that “an unempowered youth is not only a minus but also a danger and threat to the country”, urging all Nigerians to help address what he described as “the Nigerian youth question.”

From vocational training to entrepreneurship hubs, technology innovation labs to agricultural empowerment projects, Terhile said the NYC would create pathways for every young Nigerian to thrive, regardless of ethnicity or religion. He promised that the organisation would not only generate jobs but also nurture job creators, stressing that the country’s future depends on its young population.

“To the teeming Nigerian youths, this is your congress,” he said. “Your dreams, your struggles, and your aspirations will shape our journey. I promise an inclusive platform where your voices will be heard, your ideas valued, and your potential unleashed. Together, we will work to ensure government policies align with the needs of our youth, fostering an environment where innovation, creativity and hard work are rewarded.”

He also appealed to leaders, stakeholders and partners to unite in building “a Nigeria where no youth is left behind, where every young person has the tools to succeed, and where our collective energy transforms challenges into opportunities.”

Shendam, chair of the board of trustees, urged the new NYC leadership to negotiate a better deal with politicians, regardless of political affiliation, ahead of the 2027 elections to improve the welfare of Nigeria’s young population.