Ukorebi Esien | November 29, 2025
CALABAR- The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has cautioned the public to disregard the activities and claims of a group operating under the name *Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC)*, describing it as a non-statutory and misleading platform with no legal mandate to represent Nigerian youths.
In a statement signed by the State Public Relations Officer, Comr. Melchizedek David, the NYCN said it became necessary to address "false and misleading claims" by the group, which has been presenting itself as the apex youth body in the state and across the country.
According to the Council, investigations show that the so-called Nigerian Youth Congress is not recognized in any law or government policy as a statutory youth organization. The statement further alleged that the group is "a private political association that emerges around election periods, defrauds unsuspecting members of the public and politicians under the guise of youth mobilization, and disappears afterwards."
The NYCN emphasized that it remains the only legally recognized umbrella youth body in Nigeria, established by an Act of Parliament in 1964 and continuously acknowledged by the Federal Government, state governments, and all local government councils.
The Cross River State Chapter, the statement noted, is "validly constituted, legitimately intact, and currently led by Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, under the supervision of the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development."
Giving details of its mandate, the NYCN restated that it is the sole statutory structure empowered to coordinate youth activities nationwide, from the national level down to states and local government areas. It warned that any parallel claims of being the "apex youth body" are not only false but capable of creating confusion and undermining youth development efforts in the state.
The leadership also highlighted that the current executives of the Council emerged through a transparent and inclusive elective congress held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the State Ministry of Youth, security agencies, and accredited observers.
The Council went a step further to warn that all youth organizations operating in Cross River State must be registered, validated, and approved by the NYCN. Groups failing to comply, it said, risk being sanctioned and handed over to law enforcement agencies.
The NYCN advised government institutions, civil society groups, political actors, and the general public not to engage with any group presenting itself contrary to the law.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining unity, promoting youth development, and advancing the collective interest of young people in Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
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