Ukorebi Esien | July 24, 2026
CALABAR – The Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has announced plans to commence the registration, revalidation and affiliation of all youth organisations operating in the state as part of efforts to strengthen youth coordination, improve government engagement and build a comprehensive database of youth groups.
The initiative, which received the approval of the State Management Committee (SMC) of the council, will be implemented in partnership with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth and Skills Development.
Speaking at the end of the State Management Committee meeting in Calabar, the State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, said the exercise would commence with the launch of an affiliation portal through which youth organisations would register and provide details of their operations.
According to him, the portal is expected to become operational within the next two weeks, allowing youth organisations across the state to register, revalidate their status and formally affiliate with the council.
Olayi explained that the initiative was not intended to restrict the formation of youth organisations but to ensure that groups operating in the state align with the objectives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development.
"We are not trying to reduce the number of youth organisations. Young people are free to associate. What we want to establish is whether these organisations are working in line with the mandate of the National Youth Council and the Ministry of Youth Development. If they are, we will work together; if they are not, government should also know the difference," he said.
He said every organisation seeking affiliation would be required to submit its constitution, leadership structure and operational focus to enable the council determine its eligibility and maintain credible records of youth organisations in the state.
The NYCN chairman noted that the database would provide government with reliable statistics for planning and implementing youth-focused programmes, adding that it would also ensure that interventions, grants and opportunities reach genuine youth organisations across the state.
"If government wants to engage the youth community, we should be able to present verifiable data. We want to know how many youth organisations we have, who their leaders are and what they do. That way, whatever opportunities come to young people can reach all registered organisations," Olayi stated.
He further disclosed that the State Management Committee also approved the establishment of senatorial advisory councils to strengthen mentorship, leadership development and conflict resolution within the council's structure.
According to him, the advisory councils will serve as support platforms for youth leaders at the senatorial district level, identify outstanding young leaders for greater responsibilities and provide guidance to local government chapters before issues escalate to the state leadership.
Olayi said the resolutions formed part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Cross River State as the umbrella body for youth organisations and enhancing collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Skills Development.
He added that the council remained committed to promoting youth participation, institutional development and effective partnerships with government in advancing policies and programmes that improve the welfare of young people across Cross River State.
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