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COMR. ISAH BABANGIDA VOWS TO UNIFY, EMPOWER NIGERIAN YOUTHS FOLLOWING EMERGENCE AS NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL PRESIDENT NIGERIA
… AS ADODO LED NYCN IS OUSTED FOLLOWING REVOCATION OF NYCN CAC REGISTRATION BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT…..
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
13-OCT-2025
A new chapter has opened in the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) as Comrade Babangida Onimisi Isa takes over the mantle of leadership following his emergence as National President during the 2025 NYCN Congress held at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja.
The election, which witnessed wide participation, brought together 497 accredited delegates representing all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and over 100 affiliated youth organisations. After a transparent and competitive process, Isa secured the confidence of the majority, thereby earning his mandate to lead Nigerian youths into a new era of unity and purpose.
In his acceptance speech, Comrade Isa reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the NYCN into a credible platform for national youth empowerment and collaboration. “This is not a quest for position but a mission to rekindle hope, restore trust, and strengthen the spirit of Nigerian youths toward national progress,” he said.
He unveiled his administration’s guiding vision—to unify, empower, and elevate Nigerian youths through leadership inclusion, digital and skill-based training, innovation-driven initiatives, and sustainable partnerships that will enhance civic responsibility and socio-economic growth across all regions.
Isa’s antecedents reflect a blend of activism and administrative experience. He once led the National Association of Ebira Students (NAES) and served as Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Students Affairs under former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello between 2020 and 2024. He currently serves as Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement to Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
The newly elected NYCN president announced an 8-point strategic agenda aimed at restoring the Council’s relevance and deepening youth engagement nationwide. His plan covers areas such as increased youth participation in governance, job creation through skills and entrepreneurship programmes, revitalization of youth centres, promotion of sports and creative talents, and establishment of a modern National Youth House as a symbol of unity and progress.
He further emphasized partnership with government ministries, development agencies, and the private sector to expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
“I am committed to building a Council that will no longer be a spectator in national discourse but an active driver of development. With integrity, experience, and love for our young people, we will reposition NYCN to reclaim its rightful place as the voice of Nigerian youths,” Isa declared.
The election marks a remarkable shift following the Federal Government’s revocation of the previous NYCN registration under the Adodo-led leadership, paving the way for renewed legitimacy and accountability within the organization.
With Isa’s emergence, expectations are high that the National Youth Council will undergo the much-needed transformation to unify diverse youth voices and restore faith in organized youth representation across the country.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress
Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
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