Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, has brokered peace between the two factions of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), with a charge on their leaders to foster peace, cooperation, and progress.
The minister, who spoke during a peace parley in Abuja, which was held in his office, urged the leaders of the two factions, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo and Akoshile Mukhtar, to put aside their differences aside and embrace peace so as to forge ahead in the interest of the teeming youths of the country whom they represent.
A statement issued by the Head, Press and PR in the ministry, Maryam Yusuf, disclosed that while speaking to journalists after the peace talk, Olawande, who recognised the central role that the body has to play in promoting the well-being of the youths, expressed joy over the decision of the factions to reconcile their disagreement and join hands to work towards a common goal.
He emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to raise a new generation of purposeful and holistically developed youths.
Olawande expressed the belief that by prioritising peace and cooperation, the NYCN could achieve great things and make a positive impact on the Nigerian youth demography.
He said: “Let’s come together and pave the way for a brighter future. Our youths deserve nothing less than the very best from us. It’s time to chart a new course and make a difference.
“We need to share our ideas and become agents of reform and enlightenment for all young people in this country. Together, we can create a better tomorrow.”
In his remarks, a former factional leader, Mukhtar, who was the acting president, informed members and journalists that he wanted to be addressed as the Vice President, NYCN, North Central, a position he held before the conflict that degenerated into factions began.
He commended the minister for taking out time to bring about the truce, expressing confidence in the leadership style of the minister.
“The minister’s tireless efforts to restore peace and unity within the NYCN is highly appreciated,” he said, and urged the youths to acknowledge the minister’s vital role in restoring peace and unity within the NYCN.
Earlier in his address during the peace meeting, the NYCN President, Sukubo, assured the minister that his effort would not be in vain while promising that effort will be made to maintain peace henceforth.
He assured the minister of their resolve to unite and focus their energies on the promotion of the interest of the Nigerian youths, adding that the country’s youths can be rest assured that their interests are in safe hands.
