Comrade Akoshile Mukhtar, the current vice president (North Central) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of national president of the council.
He cited “the urgency of now” and a pressing need for transformative leadership that truly represents the hopes and aspirations of Nigerian youths for joining the race.
At a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, Mukhtar told youth stakeholders, civil society groups, and the media of having a passionate call to “repurpose” the NYCN to meet modern challenges confronting the youth demographic in Nigeria.
“I address you this morning with a heart brewing with humility, purpose and indebtedness to the visions of the founding fathers of the NYCN. “The innovative power of young people remains the driving force behind the greatness of our country,” he said.
Founded in 1964 and officially recognised by the Nigerian government in 1990, the NYCN is the umbrella body for youth organisations across the country and serves as the statutory body responsible for youth policy formulation and implementation.
However, Mukhtar emphasised that the Council now stands at a critical juncture where it must go beyond “ceremonial leadership” to champion real, measurable change.
He described his declaration not as an ambition but as a call to duty.
“This declaration is compelled by the emergency to match words with action, replace mediocrity with distinction, and revive dying hopes with renewed hope,” he stated.