By Daniel Obaje

The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has called on youths to take ownership of leadership and push the vision of the Congress beyond national borders.

This call was made during the opening ceremony of the NYC National Special Convention held at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

The three-day convention brought together youths and stakeholders from the six geopolitical zones, to consult, strategise and elect new leadership for the organisation.

Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, President of the NYC, said the journey of the organisation was one of transformation and resilience, stressing that young people must never underestimate their potential.

“We started with nothing. Today, we have a viral organisation that is attracting national and global attention.

“This is to challenge everyone here that never say never. If we can move from nothingness to somethingness, then with the heads here, we can take it above borders.”

He assured that his administration would continue to give massive support to the next leadership that would emerge from the convention process.

“We are going to support the system and be with the executives that will emerge. Please take it beyond where we are, so that the generation coming can also appreciate your efforts,” he added.

Similarly, Abdulrahman Agboola, former Acting President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, commended the outgoing leadership of NYC and charged the incoming leaders to represent the genuine interests of Nigerian youths.

He emphasised the importance of neutrality, unity and commitment to national development, adding that youth leaders must always uphold the NYC constitution and focus on peace and progress.

“The history of the organisation is immediate, but the impact has been very great over the years. Kudos to the outgoing leadership

“We are not here as party representatives, we are leaders of the Nigerian youth and our actions must reflect that reality, irrespective of our political beliefs,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Adedamola Gbenga, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, described the convention as a “divine gathering” that had already begun to address long-standing issues within the Congress.

“We all agree that our gathering here today is divine, in the sense that we have used this opening ceremony to achieve so much and address a lot of issues bothering on the development of the Nigerian Youth Congress.” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz