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Ukorebi Esien | September 9, 2025
CALABAR —The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has broken his silence following the recent attack on him in Obanliku Local Government Area, declaring that he has forgiven his alleged assailants and remains committed to advancing the cause of young people across the state.
The Youth leader who disclosed in a chat with newsmen at the Bassey Edet Otu Youth House recently in Calabar recounted how the incident left him hospitalized for days, but stressed that he bears no grudge against those suspected to have been behind the assault.
"I have chosen to forgive them because leadership is about service, not bitterness. Holding onto anger will not help us move forward as a people. Cross River youths deserve peace, unity and opportunities, and that is where my focus will remain," Olayi said.
Olayi informed that he decided to forgive his attackers after they showed remorse and took an undertaking not to be involved in such or any other detrimental action again. Adding that he believes his attackers must have learnt their lessons.
The NYCN boss explained that while the attack was unfortunate, it has only strengthened his resolve to engage with stakeholders at all levels to secure a better future for young people. He informed that he had already met with national youth leaders in Abuja and held consultations in Calabar, with plans to convene a statewide youth conference aimed at addressing issues of restiveness, unemployment, drugs and substance abuse, and other forms of negative engagement affecting young people in the state.
He explained that the proposed conference would bring together government officials, security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and the youths themselves to find lasting solutions to challenges fueling instability among young people.
"We cannot continue to ignore the realities. Many of our youths are idle, vulnerable, and sometimes used as tools for violence. This conference will provide a platform for dialogue and action to redirect their energy towards productive ventures," he stated.
Olayi further warned against the rising wave of restiveness among young people in parts of the state, noting that unemployment, lack of opportunities, and political manipulation were pushing many into violent acts.
"If urgent steps are not taken to engage our young people positively, we may begin to see more pockets of violence that could undermine peace and development. This is why the Youth Council is calling on government, community leaders, and development partners to work with us in addressing these challenges," he added.
On his vision for the NYCN, Olayi reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the Council as a credible platform for youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding. He said the Council would deepen collaboration with relevant ministries, agencies, and non-governmental organisations to create programs that empower young people and harness their energy for development.
He also cautioned against internal sabotage and divisions within the youth body, insisting that such tendencies only weaken the collective voice of young people in the state.
"Our strength lies in unity. Whether from the north or south of Cross River, we are first of all young people with the same aspirations. I call on all youths to put aside personal differences and work together for the progress of our dear state," he said.
The meeting which drew the attention of journalists and youth stakeholders, comes just weeks after the Obanliku incident stirred concern across the state.
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