The incumbent President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, has appealed to delegates from the North-West geopolitical zone to renew his mandate for another four-year term, pledging to consolidate on the achievements of his first tenure in office.
Amb. Sukubo made the call on Thursday evening during the North-West Consultative Meeting held in Kano State ahead of the NYCN National Elective Congress scheduled for Friday, September 19, to Monday, September 22, 2025.
Speaking to a gathering of youth leaders, stakeholders, and government representatives, the Youth President expressed profound appreciation to the government and people of Northern Nigeria, particularly the youths, for what he described as their “unsolicited goodwill and unwavering support” that have propelled his leadership journey.
“Since joining the National Youth Council of Nigeria, the entire North has been my pillar of support, providing me with the strength and momentum to climb different ladders of leadership in NYCN,” Sukubo said. “I cannot take your goodwill and support for granted. That is why I have come personally to appeal for your mandate once again.”
The consultative meeting was organized by the Kano State Chapter of NYCN in partnership with the state government. It had in attendance members of the NYCN National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, Management Committee, the seven state chairmen of NYCN from the North-West under the aegis of the Forum of State Chairmen, zonal leaders, and heads of voluntary youth organizations (VYOs).
Sukubo highlighted several initiatives undertaken during his first term, including the controversial but successful revalidation of affiliated Voluntary Youth Organizations. He noted that previous NYCN leaderships had avoided such an exercise due to the crises it might trigger, but his administration was determined to carry it out in line with constitutional and regulatory requirements, particularly with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“I decided to take the bull by the horns on my own by embarking on the revalidation exercise. Many NYCN Presidents attempted it but faced crises that consumed their tenures. Today, as a result of the success of this initiative, I can boldly state that the North-East has 18 VYOs, the North-West 35, and the North-Central 31,” he said.
The Youth President emphasized that the revalidation was not just a regulatory necessity but also a deliberate gesture of appreciation to the North, where he has consistently enjoyed support. According to him, the exercise has strengthened NYCN’s credibility, boosted its legitimacy, and aligned it with international best practices in youth administration.
He added that most of his appointees within the Council are Northerners, reflecting the trust and confidence he has in the region. He also stressed that his business and private engagements revolve significantly around the North, underscoring his long-standing ties with the people.
“I am a friend and brother to the North from inception,” Sukubo declared. “So, today I am soliciting your support to continue as your servant leader and steward.”
Meanwhile, the Kano State Government commended Sukubo for his dedication to youth development. The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who hosted the NYCN President in his office, lauded his bold reforms and reiterated the state government’s readiness to partner with the council to empower young people.
“Kano State has a significant youth population. We are poised to forge partnerships with credible organizations like the NYCN to drive empowerment and development initiatives for the betterment of our youths,” the Commissioner said.
At the meeting, stakeholders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria from the North-West zone unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the NYCN national leadership under Sukubo. They also pledged to deliver all delegates’ votes from the zone to him at the forthcoming national elective congress.
With overwhelming support from the region, observers say Sukubo enters the congress with a strong advantage, positioning himself for re-election as leader of the country’s apex youth body.
