Ukorebi Esien | February 5, 2026
CALABAR— The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has commenced activities for the 2026 year with a strategic engagement with the Ministry of Youth Development, aimed at aligning priorities and strengthening youth-focused governance in the state.
The courtesy visit, held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, brought the leadership of the NYCN together with top management officials of the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Director of Youth, Director of Administration, and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Ukam Ijom Charles.
Leading the NYCN delegation, the State Chairman, Comrade Olayi Emmanuel, said the meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive appraisal of youth development interventions in 2025, highlighting key achievements, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. He noted that the engagement also served as a platform to present the Council's strategic outlook and expectations for 2026.
According to Comrade Olayi, the NYCN used the meeting to raise critical youth-related concerns, including institutional issues that arose at the close of 2025, while reaffirming its role as the umbrella youth organization in the state. He explained that the Ministry reviewed the concerns raised and reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the Council in advancing youth development policies.
The NYCN chairman commended the Ministry for its supervisory role and for implementing youth-focused initiatives under the People's First agenda of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He further expressed confidence in the Governor's leadership, citing the administration's renewed efforts toward economic growth, infrastructural development, and youth inclusion, including the ongoing drive to reclaim the state's oil wells.
Reaffirming the Council's position, Comrade Olayi assured the Ministry of the NYCN's readiness to partner with government in the implementation of programmes that empower youths and promote peace across communities in Cross River State.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ukam Ijom Charles, expressed gratitude to God for the preservation of his life and that of his team following a recent road traffic accident. He commended the NYCN for its proactive approach to youth engagement and peace promotion, and assured the Council of the Ministry's continued openness to dialogue and solutions-driven collaboration.
The Commissioner further emphasized the Ministry's commitment to working closely with youth stakeholders to ensure that 2026 delivers improved outcomes for young people in Cross River State.
The engagement signals a renewed partnership between the NYCN and the Ministry of Youth Development, setting a coordinated agenda for youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the year ahead.
CALABAR— The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has commenced activities for the 2026 year with a strategic engagement with the Ministry of Youth Development, aimed at aligning priorities and strengthening youth-focused governance in the state.
The courtesy visit, held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, brought the leadership of the NYCN together with top management officials of the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Director of Youth, Director of Administration, and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Ukam Ijom Charles.
Leading the NYCN delegation, the State Chairman, Comrade Olayi Emmanuel, said the meeting provided an opportunity for a comprehensive appraisal of youth development interventions in 2025, highlighting key achievements, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. He noted that the engagement also served as a platform to present the Council's strategic outlook and expectations for 2026.
According to Comrade Olayi, the NYCN used the meeting to raise critical youth-related concerns, including institutional issues that arose at the close of 2025, while reaffirming its role as the umbrella youth organization in the state. He explained that the Ministry reviewed the concerns raised and reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the Council in advancing youth development policies.
The NYCN chairman commended the Ministry for its supervisory role and for implementing youth-focused initiatives under the People's First agenda of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He further expressed confidence in the Governor's leadership, citing the administration's renewed efforts toward economic growth, infrastructural development, and youth inclusion, including the ongoing drive to reclaim the state's oil wells.
Reaffirming the Council's position, Comrade Olayi assured the Ministry of the NYCN's readiness to partner with government in the implementation of programmes that empower youths and promote peace across communities in Cross River State.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Ukam Ijom Charles, expressed gratitude to God for the preservation of his life and that of his team following a recent road traffic accident. He commended the NYCN for its proactive approach to youth engagement and peace promotion, and assured the Council of the Ministry's continued openness to dialogue and solutions-driven collaboration.
The Commissioner further emphasized the Ministry's commitment to working closely with youth stakeholders to ensure that 2026 delivers improved outcomes for young people in Cross River State.
The engagement signals a renewed partnership between the NYCN and the Ministry of Youth Development, setting a coordinated agenda for youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in the year ahead.
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