13/08/2026
NYCN RIVERS STATE CHAPTER CONCLUDES 3-DAY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2026
EQUIPPING YOUTH LEADERS FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP, UNITY, PEACE AND THE TASK AHEAD
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter, has successfully concluded its 3-Day Leadership Conference 2026, organised in Port Harcourt, Rivers State as part of activities commemorating the 2026 International Youth Day.
The conference brought together the State Executive Council, LGA Coordinators and Secretaries, Members of the Rivers State Youth Parliament (RSYP), youth leaders and other key stakeholders within the youth movement.
The conference was deliberately designed as a leadership development and capacity-building platform to train, equip and reposition youth leaders with the knowledge, discipline, skills and strategic understanding required to effectively serve their constituencies and contribute meaningfully to the development of Rivers State.
A CONFERENCE WITH A PURPOSE
Throughout the three-day programme, participants were exposed to critical issues including leadership ethics, accountability, effective communication, conflict management, peacebuilding, youth participation in governance, organisational management, grassroots mobilisation, economic empowerment, innovation, community development and strategic leadership.
The conference also provided an opportunity for youth leaders from across Rivers State to interact, exchange experiences, identify challenges confronting young people and develop practical approaches towards addressing them.
A central message of the conference was that leadership is not a title; it is a responsibility. Participants were challenged to embrace competence, integrity, accountability, consultation, service and measurable results.
COMMUNIQUE ADOPTED AT THE CONCLUSION
At the conclusion of the conference, participants collectively adopted a communique containing resolutions and recommendations aimed at strengthening youth leadership, promoting peace and advancing the development of Rivers State.
The communique was formally presented and read by the State Chairman of the NYCN Rivers State Chapter, Comr. (Dr.) Nwisabari Bani Samuel.
Among the key resolutions are:
1. UNITY OF RIVERS STATE YOUTHS
The conference reaffirmed the importance of unity, solidarity and cooperation among Rivers State youths. Participants recognised that a united youth constituency is better positioned to influence policies, promote development and protect the collective interests of young people.
The conference therefore called on all youth leaders to put aside unnecessary divisions and work together in the overall interest of Rivers State.
2. RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP
Youth leaders were urged to uphold transparency, discipline, integrity and accountability and to place the interests of the youths above personal considerations.
The conference emphasised that youth leadership must be driven by service and results rather than personality, influence or patronage.
3. CAPACITY BUILDING AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The NYCN called for continuous leadership training, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, digital education and other development programmes capable of preparing Rivers youths for the realities and opportunities of the modern economy.
4. MEANINGFUL YOUTH PARTICIPATION
The conference advocated greater inclusion of young people in governance, policymaking and decision-making processes at all levels.
Young people should not merely be beneficiaries of government programmes but should be recognised as partners in development, policy formulation and nation-building.
5. APPRECIATION FOR THE RETURN OF PEACE TO RIVERS STATE
The NYCN Rivers State Chapter welcomed the prevailing atmosphere of peace and political stability in the State.
The conference particularly commended the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, CON, for what it described as a remarkable display of maturity, political understanding and magnanimity in championing the peace that Rivers State currently enjoys.
The conference also commended the Legislature and the Executive for their renewed cooperation and harmonious working relationship, noting that political stability is essential for the delivery of meaningful development to the people.
The NYCN believes that the current peace should be protected by all stakeholders and transformed into sustainable development.
6. VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON THE POLITICAL LEADER OF RIVERS STATE
The conference unanimously passed a Vote of Confidence on the Political Leader of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, CON, in recognition of his continued commitment to the interests and development of Rivers State.
The NYCN commended him particularly for:
- Always putting Rivers State first and prioritising the collective interest of the people;
- Attracting major developmental and political projects to Rivers State, including the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road and renewed attention to the East-West Road and other critical infrastructure;
- Attracting strategic appointments to Rivers State, with a significant number of Rivers indigenes occupying positions across Federal Government agencies and institutions;
- Championing peace and reconciliation in Rivers State and demonstrating the political maturity and magnanimity that have contributed to the restoration of stability in the State;
- Contributing to an environment where the Executive and Legislature can work harmoniously for the development of Rivers State; and
- Raising the profile of Rivers State at the national level through hard work, diligence, competence and commitment in his service as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The NYCN described these contributions as worthy of recognition and affirmed that political leadership must ultimately be measured by its capacity to promote peace, attract opportunities, deliver development and improve the lives of the people.
7. TOTAL SUPPORT FOR THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS
The conference expressed its total support for the ongoing reconciliation process in Rivers State and commended the initiative as a necessary step towards consolidating the peace currently enjoyed by the State.
The NYCN called on all political actors and stakeholders to embrace dialogue, forgiveness, understanding and reconciliation in the supreme interest of Rivers State.
The conference expressed confidence that a sincere and inclusive reconciliation process will provide the foundation for lasting peace, political stability and accelerated development.
8. CALL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The conference called on His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, to appoint a Commissioner for Youth Development/Youth Affairs.
The NYCN believes that given the significant population and strategic importance of young people in the State, there should be a dedicated member of the State Executive Council responsible for youth affairs and capable of maintaining direct and structured engagement with youth organisations.
Such an office will strengthen collaboration between Government and the youth constituency in the areas of employment, entrepreneurship, education, skills development, sports, innovation, empowerment and youth participation in governance.
9. PEACE, SECURITY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The conference urged Rivers youths to remain ambassadors of peace and to reject violence, cultism, criminality, political thuggery and all activities capable of undermining the security and development of the State.
Youth leaders were encouraged to work with relevant authorities and community stakeholders to promote peaceful communities.
10. ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES
The conference called for stronger attention to youth employment, entrepreneurship, vocational training, digital skills, access to finance and other economic opportunities that can improve the standard of living of young people.
11. STRONGER GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT
LGA structures of the NYCN were encouraged to strengthen their engagement with young people at the grassroots, identify community-specific challenges and develop practical solutions in partnership with government, traditional institutions, private organisations and development partners.
12. YOUTH INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP
The conference encouraged young people to embrace technology, innovation and creativity as tools for solving community problems and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
It also called for stronger partnerships between the NYCN, government institutions, private-sector organisations, civil society organisations, educational institutions and development partners.
13. NYCN REMAINS UNITED AND INDEPENDENT
The conference reaffirmed that the NYCN Rivers State Chapter remains united under its legitimate leadership and remains committed to representing the interests and aspirations of Rivers youths.
The Council further reiterated that the NYCN is not an appendage of any government ministry, department, agency or parastatal.
While the Council will continue to maintain constructive engagement and partnership with Government and other stakeholders, its independence, identity and responsibility to the youth constituency remain sacrosanct.
14. RIVERS YOUTHS AND THE 2027 POLITICAL PROCESS
The NYCN called on Rivers youths to remain calm, peaceful and responsible as the State approaches another political season.
The Council urged young people to reject violence, hate speech, intimidation, destruction of property and every form of criminality associated with political activities.
The conference further affirmed that in due course, the leadership of the NYCN will engage its structures and relevant stakeholders and make its position known on viable candidates for the 2027 elections, based on competence, credibility, capacity, developmental vision and the overall interest of Rivers State.
The Council emphasised that political differences must never become reasons for Rivers youths to become enemies.
THE WORK BEGINS NOW
The conclusion of the three-day conference is not the conclusion of the work. It is the beginning of a renewed responsibility.
The leaders who participated in the conference have returned to their various LGAs, constituencies and communities with the responsibility to translate the knowledge acquired into practical action.
The NYCN Rivers State Chapter is committed to building a generation of youth leaders who are competent, united, responsible, innovative, peaceful and prepared to lead with purpose.
As the world celebrates International Youth Day under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” the message is particularly relevant to Rivers State.
Our youths may come from different LGAs, communities and backgrounds, but we share common aspirations for peace, dignity, education, employment, inclusion, opportunity and a better future.
Our responsibility is to transform those common aspirations into collective action.
The conference has ended.
The training has been received.
The communique has been adopted.
Now, the work begins.
From Conference to Action.
From Leadership to Service.
From Youth Potential to Youth Impact.
LONG LIVE NYCN RIVERS STATE CHAPTER.
LONG LIVE RIVERS STATE YOUTHS.
LONG LIVE RIVERS STATE.
LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
