The South East zone of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has inaugurated the Forum of South East Affiliated National Youth Organisations in a move aimed at strengthening youth coordination, participation and development across the region.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at Anzeel Hotel and Suites, Awka, Anambra State, brought together youth leaders and representatives of 37 affiliated national youth organisations across the South East geopolitical zone.
The forum was officially inaugurated by the NYCN Vice President (South East), Comrade Ifeanyi Henry Atigwe, who charged members to uphold unity, discipline and commitment to youth-driven development in the region.
At the event, Sir Arthur Obiora was appointed Patron of the Forum, while Sunny Odogwu emerged as Chairman. Emeka Atuanya, Esq. was appointed Secretary.
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Strengthening Youth Participation for National Unity, Good Governance and Sustainable Development,” Ambassador Chibuzor Ekwenye called for stronger youth engagement in governance, civic responsibility and national development.
He also expressed concern over the security situation in the country, particularly in the South East, urging government at all levels to adopt urgent, coordinated and lawful measures to address insecurity and promote sustainable development.
Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders of the council, including Comrade Kanu Chidiebere, former Abia State chairman and chairman of the South East Advisory Council; Engr Anthony Aniebue; and Comrade Ugochukwu Godwin Okoye, who was represented by his deputy, Comrade Henry Chinonso Enwuchiola.
In his closing remarks, Comrade Samuel Egwuatu commended the peaceful conduct of the inauguration and called for sustained unity among youth organisations in the region.
The Board of Trustees representative for the South East NYCN, Chief Aneke Herbert, also attended the event and expressed satisfaction with the level of organisation.
A motion for a vote of confidence on the National Executive Council (NEC) led by Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo was moved by Mr Akims Peters and seconded by Alex Osaka. It was unanimously adopted by members of the forum.
The forum reaffirmed its confidence in the NEC leadership, commending its commitment to youth development, institutional stability and national cohesion.
The Deputy President of NYCN, Ambassador Innocent Nduanya, congratulated the newly inaugurated forum and urged members to work in synergy with the office of the Vice President (South East) to advance the council’s mandate.
He called for unity and discipline among affiliated organisations, urging members to serve as credible ambassadors of the South East in their engagements.
In a communiqué, the forum expressed concern over Nigeria’s security situation and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair, credible and peaceful 2027 general election, stressing that electoral integrity remained central to democratic stability.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, national unity, peacebuilding, good governance and sustainable development across Nigeria.
