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Ukorebi Esien | July 23, 2026
CALABAR –The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Skills Development, Barr Ukam Ijom Charles, has reaffirmed the state government’s confidence in the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) following a Federal Court judgment that validated the re-election of Ambassador Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo as National President of the council.
The Commissioner gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the NYCN National Executive Council led by Ambassador Sokubo during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Calabar.
He described the court verdict as a welcome development that had strengthened the legitimacy of the NYCN leadership and would further promote unity among youth organisations across the country.
According to him, the Cross River State chapter of the NYCN had remained steadfast in its support for the national leadership throughout the period of litigation, believing strongly that the matter would be resolved through lawful means.
“Having participated in the congress where Ambassador Sokubo was unanimously re-elected and having carefully examined the constitution of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, we were convinced that he was duly elected. As law-abiding citizens, we waited for the court to pronounce its judgment, and today that trust has been validated,” the Commissioner said.
He commended the NYCN for pursuing legal channels rather than resorting to violence during the leadership dispute, noting that the peaceful resolution of the matter demonstrated maturity and respect for democratic institutions.
The Commissioner also assured the visiting delegation of the Cross River State Government’s continued partnership with the NYCN in advancing youth development, skills acquisition, and empowerment programmes in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the National Executive Council, the Deputy National Secretary of the NYCN, Prince Ndiyo Ndiyo, said the Federal High Court judgment had restored the council to the status quo, affirming that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) lacked the legal authority to deregister the National Youth Council of Nigeria. He noted that the judgment, delivered on June 5, 2026, also affirmed Ambassador Sokubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo's leadership following the legal action instituted by the council.
Ndiyo explained that following the judgment, the Director-General of the CAC formally acknowledged Ambassador Sokubo as National President and invited him for a meeting, while the council had embarked on nationwide engagements with ministries, security agencies and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains of the court victory. He described the visit to Cross River as significant because of the state's unwavering support for the council throughout the leadership dispute, adding that the NYCN remained committed to protecting the institution as the umbrella body for youth organisations in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Cross River State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, said the state chapter had remained resolute in defending the council's constitutional mandate despite the leadership dispute at the national level. He noted that the relationship between the council and the Cross River State Ministry of Youth and Skills Development had remained cordial and productive, describing the ministry as a dependable partner in promoting youth development initiatives across the state.
Olayi further disclosed that the State Management Committee had resolved to strengthen the council's institutional framework by commencing the registration and revalidation of youth organisations in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development. According to him, the initiative is aimed at creating a comprehensive database of youth organisations operating in Cross River State to improve coordination, policy implementation and government engagement with young people.
Earlier, Ambassador Sokubo said Cross River was one of the first states he chose to visit after the court judgment because of the unwavering support the state chapter and the Ministry had shown during the period of uncertainty.
He expressed appreciation to the Commissioner, the Ministry, and the youth of Cross River State for standing by the national leadership, adding that the NYCN would continue to work closely with the state government to promote peace, unity, and youth empowerment.
The NYCN delegation used the visit to formally present copies of the court judgment and official communication confirming the recognition of Ambassador Sokubo as the bona fide National President of the council.
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