Comrade IKC Onuorah has emerged the new Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Anambra State Chapter, at the just-concluded 2026 Unity Congress of the Council.
In a keenly-contested election held in Awka, Onuorah polled a total of 75 votes out of the total votes available from the 140 delegates who participated in the congress, to defeat his closest opponent, Nonso Nwebili, who got 63 votes.
Other member of the new State Exco of the Council, who emerged through an earlier-held harmonization process were Comr. Thankgod Nwafor, Deputy Chairman; Comr. Uchenna Ejeri, Vice Chairman, South; Comr. Menkiti Oliseli, Vice Chairman, North; Comr. Akuwenze Chukwunonso, Vice Chairman, Central, Comr. Chimaobi Kingsley Egwu, Secretary, Comr. Chinonso Onyeanusi, P.R.O, among others.
Prior to the election, the Electoral Council, ELECO Chairperson informed the Congress that 160 delegates, drawn 5 each from the 21 LGA NYCN branches, and 3 each from the faith-based and voluntary youth organizations were initially billed to participate in the election.
Speaking after the election, the State NYCN Chairman, Surveyor Obi Emeka Chukwudi acknowledged the support of members of his executive, and other leadership structures of the Council that enabled his administration to succeed, paying glowing tribute to past Chairmen and stakeholders of the Council for their guidance.
He appreciated the delegates who turned out for the unity congress for their composure that ensured a free, fair, and transparent election, noting that his administration envisioned to use the exercise to show what is possible when the electoral umpire wants the votes of the people Obi urged the new leadership of the Council to carry the members along, reminding him that expectations are high with his emergence.
“What we did today is a major advancement since the history of this Council. We have had elections extend deep into the night, and even prolonged for months due to interests. But this time, we are decisive on ensuring that the will of members of the Council prevailed.
“We appreciate Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Aghamba for their immense support and backing which made all these possible,” he noted.
Earlier, in a message to the delegates and contestants, the Chairman, Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Youths, Dr Augustine Ike, represented by Vincent Okoro-Orji commended the outgoing executive led by Surveyor Obi for their sacrifice and service which has contributed to the growth and progress of the Council.
He encouraged the delegates to vote peacefully and wisely so that only credible persons will emerge, assuring the incoming executive that the House Committee is committed to supporting them.
In their goodwill messages, the pioneer Chairman of the State Council, Elder Obunikem Asuzu and a former State NYCN Chairman, Dr Frank Maduka noted that the State Council is one family, big enough to accommodate everyone, reminding the youths that what is done in the council is voluntary service, and anyone coming to serve must do so in line with the constitution of the Council.
They warned them against politicizing the Council, insisting that the Council is a platform for training youths to understand their capacities and be able to contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
The stakeholders further commended the outgoing administration for maintaining a unified Council and stakeholders council during its tenure, as well as for its numerous programmes that impacted the lives of the youths across the state.
Reacting to the exercise, the President-General of the Anambra State Town Unions’ Council (ASTUC) Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli applauded the entire process that led to the birth of a new Anambra NYCN administration, adding that the outgoing leadership has left a worthy legacy of credible election, which subsequent administrations can no longer afford to undermine.
He expressed the hope that the IKC Onuorah-led leadership will do more.
In an acceptance speech, the new State NYCN Chairman, Comrade Onuorah expressed appreciation to the Council members, especially the outgoing Chairman, for standing firm to ensure that the process was free, fair and transparent.
Onuorah said his election marks a new dawn in the Council’s efforts towards youth empowerment and value reorientation, promising to aggressively pursue an all-inclusive agenda that will change the fortunes of Anambra youths.
The new Chairman vowed to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, in sustaining the unity of the Council and promoting a healthy image that will attract gainful partnerships for youth empowerment and development.
“I believe the task ahead is enormous and I want to promise Anambra youths that I will not let them down. I will be their voice. I will run an open government that listens to constructive criticism. I will rally Anambra youths and together, we shall continue to attain greatness.
“I wish to extend my hand of fellowship to other contestants, whose vision for a better Anambra NYCN spurred their ambitions. The room is large enough to accommodate us. I urge you to join hands with me to build a better Anambra Council. Your ideas are valuable. Together, we can achieve more for Anambra youths,” he promised.
