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Ukorebi Esien | December 24, 2025
CALABAR – The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has declared all activities being carried out under the banner of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) illegal, warning youths in Cross River State to steer clear of any unauthorized gatherings, including the proposed summit scheduled to hold in Bekwara Local Government Area.
The declaration was made on Today during a press conference convened by the leadership of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Cross River State Chapter, to clarify the current state of youth governance, address growing public confusion, and reaffirm the need for legality and institutional order in youth leadership.
According to the state Chairman of NYC, Comrade Francis Finian Offionor, the NYCN currently lacks both legal and administrative recognition, having been suspended by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and stripped of its certificate of registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
"Let the record reflect the facts," the Congress stated. "The Corporate Affairs Commission withdrew the registration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development subsequently suspended it from operating. Consequently, the NYCN is presently proscribed and lacks legal standing at both state and national levels."
The He explained that proscription, by law, renders the organization's existence and activities unlawful, stressing that any summit, congress, or public engagement organized in the name of the NYCN is unauthorized.
On this basis, the NYC specifically cautioned Cross River youths against participating in the proposed NYCN summit in Bekwara, describing it as illegal and capable of generating confusion and public disorder.
"This clarification is necessary to protect young people and maintain public order," the Congress said. "Youth leadership is too important to be driven by speculation, misinformation, or parallel authority."
While maintaining a firm stance on legality, the Nigerian Offionor emphasized that its approach to youth governance is rooted in dialogue, inclusion, and institutional reforms, rather than confrontation.
The body reiterated that it is not positioning itself for rivalry or conflict but is focused on building credible structures that support youth development, civic responsibility, peace, and democratic values.
As part of its roadmap for Cross River State, the NYC unveiled plans for a functional and inclusive youth governance structure, including a State Executive Council, local government youth councils across all LGAs, and specialized committees focused on empowerment, education, innovation, peacebuilding, media, and policy advocacy.
The Congress also affirmed its alignment with the policies of the Cross River State Government, national youth development frameworks, and democratic governance principles, describing itself as a partner in development rather than a pressure group for disruption.
"Youths should expect order, not confusion; structure, not rivalry; programs, not propaganda," Offionor stated, adding that its administration is committed to building strong institutions rather than personalities.
The press conference concluded with a call for responsible civic engagement and respect for the rule of law, as the Nigerian Youth Congress pledged continued openness, constructive engagement, and accountability in advancing the interests of Cross River State youths.
Ukorebi Esien
Editor-in-Chief,
The Daily News Ng
Lead Consultant
Achievers Center for Community Development Initiative
+2348161527978
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