Bature Emmanuel Dakweng has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), pledging to “change the narrative” by empowering, inspiring, and transforming Nigerian youth for national progress.
Dakweng made the declaration on Tuesday, October 22, 2025 at a press conference held at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Jos, where he unveiled his manifesto and called on Nigerian youths to unite under a common vision.
“Together, we will reshape Nigeria’s destiny with the creativity, courage, and commitment that define our generation,” Dakweng said.
In his manifesto, Dakweng outlined his vision to build “a united, empowered, and globally competitive Nigerian youth community that drives sustainable national development, innovation, and social justice.”
His mission, he said, is to champion youth empowerment through institutional development, skills acquisition, civic participation, and economic inclusion — ensuring every young Nigerian has a fair chance to thrive.
He listed his core values as patriotism, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, and service — principles he believes are essential to restoring credibility to youth leadership in Nigeria.
Speaking in support of Dakweng’s ambition, Dr. Gad Peter Shamaki, Global President of the University of Jos Alumni Association and Plateau State’s OGP (Open Government Partnership) point of contact, described him as a visionary leader with integrity and focus.
“We’re looking for purposeful and creative leadership. Bature is a gentleman, focused, and believes in the capacity of Nigerian youth. He deserves our support,” Dr. Shamaki said.
He called on all stakeholders — from government officials to past NYCN leaders — to rally behind Dakweng, assuring that his leadership would bring renewed credibility and innovation to the youth body.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Taboku highlighted the leadership crisis that has plagued the NYCN for over two decades, noting that the Council had been entangled in multiple court cases and factional disputes.
He commended the current Minister of Youth for taking the bold step of deregistering the NYCN under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and setting up an interim management committee to restore order and prepare for fresh elections.
“This is an opportunity for a fresh start,” Taboku said. “The youth sector has been voiceless for too long. It’s time to elect genuine youth leadership under 35 years old, with vision and credibility — and Bature fits that description.”
Unveiling his key agenda, Dakweng promised to secure a permanent secretariat for the NYCN, replacing the current rented office in Abuja, to serve as a national hub for youth coordination.
He also emphasized plans for digital transformation, pledging to introduce a digital membership database, launch the NYCN Job Connect platform, and initiate a National Tech Challenge to fund youth-led innovations addressing social, environmental, and security issues.
Additionally, he vowed to:
- Strengthen partnerships with government, private sector, and international bodies;
- Promote financial transparency through annual audits;
- Champion youth inclusion in politics, governance, and policy-making;
- Launch the One Nigeria, One Youth campaign to promote unity and interfaith understanding;
- Advocate for gender equality and support programs for young women and persons with disabilities.
Concluding his declaration, Dakweng described his manifesto as “a social contract” between the NYCN and the millions of Nigerian youths whose voices deserve to be heard.
“Our commitment is clear — to empower, inspire, and transform the Nigerian youth for a better, stronger, and more prosperous nation,” he said.
The event drew youth leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the University of Jos Alumni Association, who pledged their full support for Dakweng’s candidacy ahead of the forthcoming NYCN national election.
