YENAGOA: Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo has secured a resounding re-election as President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), cementing his status as one of the country’s most influential youth leaders.
His triumph at the NYCN 2026 National Elective Congress, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, gives him a fresh four-year mandate to drive youth-focused programmes and strengthen the council’s institutional framework.
The congress witnessed a highly participatory process with delegates drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
At the polls, Sukubo garnered an overwhelming 756 votes, leaving his nearest rival, Elizabeth Olawande of the South-West, with just 32 votes, while Husseini Mohammed from the North polled 11 votes.
In a significant show of solidarity, three other presidential aspirants withdrew from the race and pledged support for him, a development that underscored the wide appeal of his leadership across regional divides.
In his acceptance speech, Sukubo expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent emphasis on youth inclusion in governance.
He also acknowledged the roles played by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and philanthropist-engineer Tein Jack-Rich, who he said had encouraged his journey.
The re-elected NYCN President promised to double down on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and innovation programmes, while urging the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the National Youth Council Bill.
According to him, a strong legislative framework would give the council the backing it needs to institutionalize impactful projects that address unemployment, skills gaps, and digital inclusion.
“We are at a turning point in Nigeria’s youth development journey. The future we desire will not come by chance but by deliberate action.
I call on the National Assembly and all stakeholders to work with us to build a Nigeria where every young person has a fair chance to succeed,” Sukubo declared.
Governor Douye Diri, who hosted the congress, congratulated Sukubo on his landslide victory and urged governments at all levels to support the new NYCN leadership.
He stressed that investing in education, technology, and skills development remains the surest path to empowering the youth and reducing social unrest.
“Youth empowerment is not just a policy choice; it is a national necessity. The government of Bayelsa will continue to partner with the NYCN in providing opportunities that secure the future of our young people,” Diri said.
The congress also produced 42 members elected to the national executive committee, providing a broad-based leadership structure expected to strengthen the council’s operations nationwide.
Analysts say Sukubo’s landslide win reflects his strong grassroots connections and his consistent advocacy for the interests of young Nigerians.
His first term was marked by several initiatives focusing on capacity building, skills acquisition, and peace-building, particularly in restive communities.
His re-election comes at a critical time when Nigerian youth face persistent challenges, including high unemployment, limited access to quality education, and exclusion from mainstream decision-making.
Sukubo’s leadership, observers believe, has the potential to bridge the gap between government policies and the aspirations of millions of young citizens.
With another four years, Sukubo is expected to push for programmes that will not only create job opportunities but also equip young Nigerians with digital skills, promote entrepreneurship, and support start-ups.
He has also pledged to strengthen collaboration with international development partners, private sector leaders, and government institutions to scale youth-focused projects.
His call for the passage of the National Youth Council Bill is seen as a pivotal step that could transform NYCN into a more effective policy driver, giving Nigerian youths a stronger voice in governance and national development.
For many delegates in Yenagoa, Sukubo’s re-election was not just a political victory, but a statement of confidence in his ability to chart a clear path for the next generation.
