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Ukorebi Esien | December 24,2025
CALABAR - The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, has dismissed concerns that ongoing leadership disputes at the national level would disrupt youth activities and governance in the state, insisting that the council remains focused and fully functional.
Speaking during an engagement with youth leaders to disburse the Christmas package from the Cross River State Government recently in Calabar, Olayi said the Cross River State chapter of the NYCN would not be distracted by what he described as "election-related disagreements" at the national level, noting that such disputes are common in large democratic organisations.
According to him, the leadership of the NYCN in Cross River State was duly elected through a transparent, state-supervised process under the Ministry of Youth Development, stressing that the outcome of that process remains valid and binding.
He further disclosed that the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development had, as recently as December 25, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the NYCN leadership in the state, describing the affirmation as institutional and not personal.
Olayi also addressed recent claims by a group that declared the NYCN non-existent in Cross River State, describing such assertions as a misunderstanding of the operational and legal framework of youth governance in Nigeria.
The NYCN chairman reiterated the council's open-door policy, noting that both affiliated and non-affiliated youth organisations were welcome to engage with the council, especially in programmes aimed at youth development, peacebuilding and economic empowerment.
He warned, however, that the council would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peace in the state, pledging to report any individual or group found instigating unrest or spreading misinformation to the appropriate authorities.
He urged young people across the state to remain calm, united and committed to constructive engagement, assuring them that all disagreements would be resolved through due process while the council continues to deliver impactful programmes for youths in Cross River State.
Speaking during an engagement with youth leaders to disburse the Christmas package from the Cross River State Government recently in Calabar, Olayi said the Cross River State chapter of the NYCN would not be distracted by what he described as "election-related disagreements" at the national level, noting that such disputes are common in large democratic organisations.
According to him, the leadership of the NYCN in Cross River State was duly elected through a transparent, state-supervised process under the Ministry of Youth Development, stressing that the outcome of that process remains valid and binding.
"Our mandate in Cross River State is intact. We were elected in an election that was funded, supervised and recognised by the state government through the Ministry of Youth Development. Whatever disagreement exists at the national level will not stop us from carrying out our responsibilities to young people in this state," Olayi said.
He further disclosed that the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development had, as recently as December 25, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the NYCN leadership in the state, describing the affirmation as institutional and not personal.
Olayi also addressed recent claims by a group that declared the NYCN non-existent in Cross River State, describing such assertions as a misunderstanding of the operational and legal framework of youth governance in Nigeria.
"The National Youth Council of Nigeria is established by law and remains the apex youth body. It is not replaced by any other group. What we provide is coordination, inclusion and a platform for all youth organisations to thrive," he said.
The NYCN chairman reiterated the council's open-door policy, noting that both affiliated and non-affiliated youth organisations were welcome to engage with the council, especially in programmes aimed at youth development, peacebuilding and economic empowerment.
He warned, however, that the council would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting peace in the state, pledging to report any individual or group found instigating unrest or spreading misinformation to the appropriate authorities.
"We will not fight anybody. We will not abuse anybody online. But we will remain focused. Cross River State is peaceful, and the youth council will do everything within its power to sustain that peace under the leadership of His Excellency, the Governor," Olayi stated.
He urged young people across the state to remain calm, united and committed to constructive engagement, assuring them that all disagreements would be resolved through due process while the council continues to deliver impactful programmes for youths in Cross River State.
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