NYCN Honours Akpabio, Abbas, Judith Ogbara, Others For Outstanding National Leadership

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has honoured the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; Hon. Dr. Judith Mayen Etuk-Ogbara; the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the governors of Niger and Kogi States, among others, for their exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to national development.

The awards, conferred under the ‘NYCN Hall of Fame: Icons of Excellence’, were aimed at recognising public office holders whose leadership styles and policies have positively impacted governance, youth empowerment, and inclusive national growth.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, received the award of Icon of Parliamentary Excellence and Uncommon Leadership in recognition of his stabilising influence, legislative dexterity, and commitment to democratic governance.

In the same vein, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, was honoured with the Icon of Legislative Excellence and Leadership Award for his people-oriented legislative agenda and efforts at strengthening cooperation within the National Assembly.

A major highlight of the event was the recognition of Hon. Dr. Judith Mayen Etuk-Ogbara, who emerged as the only female recipient of the NYCN Award this year, a distinction that added special significance to the ceremony.

Etuk-Ogbara was honoured with the Outstanding Female Emancipator of the Year Award for her unwavering advocacy for girls’ education, women empowerment, and social inclusion. NYCN described her recognition as symbolic, noting that her work continued to inspire young women across Nigeria to embrace leadership, excellence, and service.

Also honoured was the Minister of Interior, who received recognition for reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening internal security, improving passport administration, and enhancing public service delivery.

At the sub-national level, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State was awarded Best Governor in Agriculture and Empowerment for his innovative approach to food security, youth inclusion, and economic growth.

Similarly, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State received recognition for his commitment to security, youth emancipation, and infrastructural development, positioning Kogi State as a model of responsive governance.

In its address, the president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comr. Babangida Onimisi Isah (GCNY), stated that the awards were designed to celebrate integrity, performance, and visionary leadership, particularly among public officials whose actions align with the aspirations of Nigerian youths.

According to the council, “Honouring leaders who prioritise youth development and national progress is essential to building a future defined by opportunity, inclusion, and sustainable growth.”