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The Vice President (West Africa) of the Pan African Youth Union (PYU) and Special Adviser on Youth & Student Matters to the Kogi State Governor, Ambassador Oladele John Nihi, has called for a unified and reformed structure for National Youth Councils across Africa. He made the remarks yesterday during a high-level session on the Youth Reform Agenda at the ongoing 5th Pan-African Youth Forum in Djibouti.
Ambassador Nihi emphasized the urgent need for a uniform identity and standardized governance model for youth coordinating platforms in all African countries, proposing the adoption of the name National Youth Council (NYC) across the continent. According to him, achieving structural clarity and harmonization is crucial for improving coordination, legitimacy, and policy influence among youth bodies engaging with national governments and the African Union.
Addressing the realities of governance, the PYU Vice President noted that it is unrealistic to expect an entirely government-independent youth council. Instead, he advocated a partially independent model that preserves the voice of young people while maintaining healthy collaboration with government institutions. He recommended a structure where government appoints a Board with a four-year tenure, complemented by an NYC Executive elected by young people for a shorter two-year term.
Ambassador Nihi stated that such a model strikes a balance between stability and youth-driven leadership, enabling continuity in national youth programs while ensuring that young people remain at the center of decision-making processes. His contribution was widely applauded by delegates as a progressive roadmap for strengthening youth governance architecture across Africa.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) applauds Ambassador Nihi for providing thought-provoking leadership and for championing reforms that can unify and strengthen youth participation across the continent. His clear and forward-looking recommendations continue to position Nigeria as a leading voice in shaping the future of youth development in Africa.
Reported By:
Comrade Charles Osagie.
National Program Officer,
National Youth Council of Nigeria.
