By:Joe Ephraim, Calabar
The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC) has clarified the current youth governance structure in Cross River State, declaring that the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) presently lacks legal standing and is barred from operating.
Addressing a press conference in Cross River State, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Comrade Francis Offionor, said the briefing was convened to set the record straight on youth leadership, institutional legitimacy, and the direction of organized youth engagement in the state.
Offionor said youth leadership must not be driven by speculation, misinformation, or parallel authority, stressing that the press conference was a deliberate effort to communicate structure, legality, and expectations for Cross River youth.
He explained that the Nigerian Youth Congress exists to provide a coordinated platform for youth engagement, serve as a bridge between youth and government, promote leadership development and civic responsibility, and support peace, unity, and democratic values.
According to him, NYC is building a clear and inclusive structure that includes a State Executive Council responsible for policy direction and engagement with government institutions, as well as functional local government youth structures to ensure grassroots participation, talent identification, and policy feedback.
Offionor also announced the establishment of specialized committees focusing on youth empowerment and skills acquisition, education and innovation, peace and conflict resolution, media and communications, as well as governance and policy advocacy.
He said that under the current administration, Cross River youth should expect leadership and capacity-building programmes, advocacy for youth-friendly policies, engagement with public and private sector partners, platforms for dialogue rather than confrontation, and support for entrepreneurship and innovation
.
Speaking on institutional discipline and the rule of law, the NYC chairman stated that no youth organization could function outside legal frameworks.
He disclosed that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) had withdrawn the certificate of registration of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, while the Federal Ministry of Youth Development had also suspended the body.
“As a consequence, the NYCN currently lacks legal and administrative recognition in Cross River State and across the country,” Offionor said, adding that the council stands proscribed and its activities are unlawful.
He further warned that any summit, congress, or activity organized under the banner of the NYCN lacks legal standing, describing a proposed summit in Bekwara Local Government Area as unauthorized and illegal. He advised Cross River youth to refrain from participating in such activities.
Offionor emphasized that the clarification was necessary to prevent confusion and protect public order, noting that while the NYC remains firm on legality, it is committed to dialogue, inclusion, and institutional reforms.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Youth Congress’ alignment with the policies of the Cross River State Government, national youth development frameworks, and democratic governance principles, describing the organization as a partner in development rather than an agent of disruption.
In his conclusion, Offionor said youth leadership must be purpose-driven, service-oriented, and accountable, assuring that the Nigerian Youth Congress would continue to engage constructively in the best interest of Cross River State youth.
