NYC Inaugurates Lagos Executives, Moves to Tackle Cultism, Drug Abuse - THISDAYLIVE

The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has inaugurated its new Lagos State Executive Council, pledging to mobilise young people against cultism, drug abuse, unemployment and other social challenges.

The inauguration, held on Wednesday in Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, also featured a leadership and training summit attended by youth leaders, security stakeholders and other participants.

Comrade Adebowale Alimi emerged as the Lagos State Chairman, while Comrade Olajire Omolara Gift was elected Deputy Chairman.

Speaking at the event, the National President of NYC, Engineer Jethro Annum, said the Congress was established to provide a common platform for Nigerian youths to influence governance and contribute to national development.

He said the organisation was created against the background of divisions and leadership challenges among youth groups, adding that it would provide a unified voice through which young people could engage government and participate in decision-making.

“We are tired of being onlookers. We are participants now,” Annum declared.

On the challenges of cultism, drug abuse and crime among young people, he emphasised the importance of parental guidance and early moral upbringing, noting that families, schools and society shared responsibility for raising responsible youths.

He urged parents to instil discipline and sound values in their children, while encouraging schools and youth organisations to strengthen mentorship, orientation and leadership development programmes.

Highlighting the Congress’s contribution to youth empowerment, Annum disclosed that it had facilitated opportunities for more than 10,000 young Nigerians to participate in the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which provides opportunities to acquire digital and technology skills.

He also called for increased youth representation in governance, noting that the Not Too Young To Run legislation had created opportunities for young Nigerians to contest elective positions and contribute to national development.

In his acceptance speech, the new Lagos State Chairman, Alimi, pledged purposeful leadership and effective representation of young people across the state.

Expressing gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, he said the inauguration demonstrated that members from different local government areas and wards could unite behind a common purpose.

“I accept with humility and respect the honour you have conferred upon me today,” he said.

Alimi said the new leadership must justify the mandate given to it by young people, stressing that the change they voted for should translate into greater representation, security, accountability and respect for youths.

He added that Lagos youths expected a proactive Congress that would make their voices heard in decisions affecting their welfare and future.

“Youths expect that the new Executive Council in Lagos State must stand up to their constitutional responsibilities and make the voice of youth in Lagos State noticeable,” he said.

He disclosed that the new executives would soon convene to develop an agenda to guide their activities and deliver on the expectations of members.

Alimi expressed hope that future generations would look back on the new leadership as one that genuinely represented young people and served the state and country with commitment.

“May the future generation of youths look upon the New Lagos State Executive Council of Nigerian Youth Congress as a true representative of the youths who did their best in the service of our state and nation,” he said.

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