Ukorebi Esien | August 11, 2026
CALABAR – The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, has secured the release of five young inmates as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day.
Chairman of the NYCN in Cross River State, Comrade Olayi Emmanuel, disclosed this in Calabar while speaking at a press conference organised by the council in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition to commemorate the International Youth Day.
Olayi said the intervention followed a visit by youth leaders to the correctional facility as part of activities for the week-long celebration.
He said the council decided to extend its youth advocacy to young people in correctional facilities who, despite being incarcerated, also had concerns and needed support.
According to him, the council's engagement with the prison authorities resulted in the approval for the release of five young inmates.
He said the beneficiaries were expected to regain their freedom by the end of the week, following the necessary processes with the correctional authorities.
Olayi said the intervention was informed by the council's belief that young people should be given opportunities to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
He said the theme of this year's International Youth Day, “Different Contexts, Same Aspiration,” underscored the need to recognise that young people came from different backgrounds but shared common aspirations for development and a better future.
The NYCN chairman said the council would continue to engage government agencies and other stakeholders on issues affecting young people, including those in difficult circumstances.
He said the council had also embarked on engagements with youth leaders and other stakeholders across Cross River State as part of efforts to identify challenges affecting young people and communicate their concerns to government.
Olayi said the council had, during its engagements across the state, identified gaps in youth development and was working to ensure that the concerns of young people were brought to the attention of relevant authorities.
He urged young people to embrace peace, avoid criminal activities and contribute positively to the development and security of the state.
He also called on journalists and other stakeholders to continue to project Cross River positively while holding government and other institutions accountable for their responsibilities to young people.
The NYCN chairman said the council would continue to work with government and other stakeholders to create opportunities that would enable young people to become productive members of society.
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