The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the state to foster greater unity among youth organizations, particularly those in rural areas, in order to establish a unified and effective youth front. This appeal was made during a meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, where the governor addressed the state’s NYCN members following a solidarity march organized in his support.
The solidarity march, branded "Rivers Youths Stand with Governor Fubara," began at the Waterlines junction along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway and concluded at the gates of the Government House. The march was led by Comrade Gift Jumbo, the acting chairman of the NYCN Rivers State chapter.
Governor Fubara, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Chisom Gbali, stressed the importance of integrating youth groups across the state, including those in remote communities, to create a cohesive platform for all youths to work towards common goals.
The governor also reiterated his recognition of the leadership of Comrade Gift Jumbo as the legitimate head of the NYCN in Rivers State. He cautioned against any attempts to create factions within the organization, urging unity and cooperation to ensure the continued progress of youth development in the state.
Dr. Gbali emphasized that youth empowerment is at the forefront of the current administration’s agenda. He pointed out that the state’s first-ever Rivers Youth Policy, which has been implemented, is designed to equip young people with the skills and resources they need to reach their full potential. This includes fostering self-reliance through programs in ICT, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, among other fields.
"I want to make it clear that the NYCN Rivers State chapter, under the leadership of Comrade Gift Jumbo and David Apiafi, is the only recognized youth body in the state," Dr. Gbali said. "This is a direct message to those claiming to lead rival factions: desist from such actions immediately. We urge those individuals to join forces with the official council to move the youth agenda forward."
Dr. Gbali noted that the state government has taken significant steps to include young people in governance and economic opportunities. From the composition of the State Executive Council to the appointment of local government chairpersons and the creation of numerous employment opportunities, many beneficiaries have been the youth of Rivers State.
"We have already laid out plans for more youth-oriented programs in the 2025 budget, with a focus on empowerment initiatives in areas like ICT, entrepreneurship, and agriculture," Gbali added. "It is important that all youth bodies, including those at the community level, align with the NYCN and report their activities through the proper channels to ensure coordinated efforts in youth development."
In a separate address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs and Strategy, Forgiven Amachree, highlighted the significant strides the Fubara administration has made in terms of development. He praised the governor’s commitment to giving youth a prominent role in the state’s affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the NYCN, Secretary-General Comrade David Apiafi reaffirmed the council's unwavering support for Governor Fubara’s administration. Apiafi commended the governor for his inclusive governance and for the peace and development that have been established in Rivers State under his leadership.
