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.