Lokoja, Nigeria
Comrade Babangida Isah, a seasoned youth mobiliser and former Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). The declaration, held in Lokoja, Kogi State, attracted a wide array of youth leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from across the country.
In his address, Comrade Isah described his aspiration as a patriotic duty, driven by a compelling desire to reposition the NYCN as a vibrant and responsive institution capable of advancing youth development and national unity. He stated that his decision to run is not for personal recognition but stems from a deep-seated conviction to serve the Nigerian youth with vision, integrity, and courage. According to him, the time has come for the NYCN to evolve into an institution that not only speaks for young people but also delivers real impact in their lives.
Comrade Isah brings to the race a rich background in student leadership and youth activism. From his days as President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Federal University of Technology, Minna, to his role as National President of the National Association of Ebira Students (NAES), his leadership journey has consistently reflected his commitment to youth empowerment. Within the NYCN itself, he has served as Coordinator for Okene Local Government Area and later as Chairman of the Forum of Coordinators in Kogi Central. His leadership was further tested in 2021 when he chaired the NYCN State Congress Electoral Committee, where he earned wide commendation for conducting a transparent and credible election process.
His outstanding service as SSA on Youth and Students Affairs under the former administration led to his reappointment under the current government, now serving as the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, a role that has expanded his reach and influence in connecting government efforts with grassroots communities.
In his vision for NYCN, Comrade Isah outlined plans to revamp the Council’s structure and engagement with Nigerian youths. He promised to focus on economic empowerment, digital inclusion, educational reform, mental health support, civic awareness, and institutional development. Among his key policy proposals is the creation of a National Youth Enterprise and Innovation Fund aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs with grants, mentorship, and skills development. He also expressed the need to partner with the private sector to introduce apprenticeship programmes that will bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world job demands.
He emphasized the importance of technological advancement, pledging to establish regional tech hubs and push for curriculum reforms to include coding, robotics, and other relevant digital skills. On mental health, he proposed the launch of a Youth Mental Health Support Programme that will provide counselling services, awareness campaigns, and support systems for vulnerable youth.
In promoting civic participation, Comrade Isah promised to initiate a Youth Political Literacy Campaign to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge necessary for effective civic engagement. He also pledged to advocate for constitutional reforms to secure youth inclusion in both appointive and elective offices nationwide.
Addressing the need for security and national unity, he proposed the establishment of a National Peace Corps under the NYCN, which would focus on inter-ethnic dialogue, grassroots conflict resolution, and community surveillance initiatives led by youths. Furthermore, he underscored the urgency of reforming the NYCN itself through full digitisation of its processes, decentralised operations, and a constitutional review to strengthen transparency, participation, and accountability.
Comrade Isah affirmed his commitment to leading the Council with humility and a sense of purpose, pledging to make the NYCN a more accessible, effective, and unifying force across the country. His declaration has been warmly received by various youth blocs and stakeholders, who see in him a rare blend of institutional knowledge, grassroots connection, and reform driven vision.
