The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has officially elected and inaugurated Comrade Benjamin Adekunle Onileowo, immediate past National President of the Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU), as its new National Social Secretary during a bye-election held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In his acceptance statement, Comrade Onileowo expressed deep gratitude for the trust and confidence reposed in him by the youth constituency across the federation. He described his emergence as both an honor and a responsibility, pledging to deliver purposeful service marked by innovation, dedication, and integrity.
“The Office of the National Social Secretary is constitutionally mandated to coordinate and implement social and welfare-driven initiatives for Nigerian youth. I embrace this responsibility with clarity of purpose,” he stated. Onileowo outlined his vision, which will focus on key thematic areas including social welfare, social entrepreneurship, cultural integration, civic engagement, and talent discovery and development.
Onileowo, The Immediate Past FESSU leader acknowledged and appreciated key national leaders who have supported his journey, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, whom he described as a steadfast model of responsive leadership, and the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, for his purposeful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Onileowo also extended special appreciation to NYCN National President, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, for his bold leadership of Africa’s largest youth organization. He pledged to work closely with the National Executive Council, NYCN structures at all levels, government agencies, and development partners to advance youth inclusion and empowerment.
He paid tribute to the NYCN Ekiti State Chapter, which he described as his backbone and rallying point throughout the journey. Onileowo thanked the many youth organizations, comrades, and well-wishers who stood by him, believed in his vision, and offered unwavering support from day one.
Comr Onileowo’s election signals a new chapter of renewed energy and direction in the social engagement arm of the NYCN, as stakeholders anticipate impactful programs under his leadership.
