Onuorah Emerges Anambra NYCN Chairman, Succeeds Obi After Peaceful Unity Congress

Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
Comrade IKC Onuorah has emerged as the new Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Anambra State Chapter, following the successful conclusion of the Council’s 2026 Unity Congress.
The keenly contested election, held in Awka, saw Onuorah secure 75 votes out of the 140 votes cast by accredited delegates, defeating his closest rival, Nonso Nwebili, who garnered 63 votes.
Other members of the newly constituted State Executive Council, who emerged through an earlier harmonisation process, include Comrade Thankgod Nwafor as Deputy Chairman; Comrade Uchenna Ejeri as Vice Chairman (South); Comrade Menkiti Oliseli as Vice Chairman (North); Comrade Akuwenze Chukwunonso as Vice Chairman (Central); Comrade Chimaobi Kingsley Egwu as Secretary; and Comrade Chinonso Onyeanusi as Public Relations Officer (PRO), among others.
Before the commencement of voting, the Chairperson of the Electoral Committee (ELECO) informed delegates that 160 delegates were initially expected to participate in the congress.
According to her, the delegates comprised five representatives each from the 21 Local Government Area branches of the NYCN, as well as three representatives each from the faith-based and voluntary youth organisations affiliated with the Council.
Speaking after the election, the outgone State Chairman of the NYCN, Surveyor Obi Emeka Chukwudi, expressed appreciation to members of his executive and the various leadership structures of the Council for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.
He also paid glowing tribute to former state chairmen and other stakeholders for their guidance and contributions to the success of his administration.
Obi commended the delegates for their maturity, discipline, and peaceful conduct during the Unity Congress, noting that their composure ensured a free, fair, credible, and transparent electoral process.
According to him, his administration was determined to demonstrate that credible elections are achievable whenever electoral officials are committed to allowing the people’s votes to count.
He urged the newly elected leadership to operate an inclusive administration by carrying every member along, stressing that expectations among Anambra youths are high following their emergence.
“What we did today is a major advancement in the history of this Council. We have witnessed elections that stretched deep into the night and even lingered for months because of vested interests. This time, however, we were determined to ensure that the will of members of the Council prevailed.
“We appreciate Mr Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Aghamba, for their immense support and backing, which made this successful exercise possible,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Youth Development, Dr Augustine Ike, represented by Vincent Okoro-Orji, commended the outgone executive, led by Surveyor Obi, for their sacrifices and dedicated service, which he said had contributed significantly to the growth and progress of the Council.
He urged delegates to vote peacefully, responsibly, and wisely to ensure that only credible individuals emerged as leaders, while assuring the incoming executive of the continued support of the House Committee.
In separate goodwill messages, the pioneer Chairman of the Anambra State NYCN, Elder Obunikem Asuzu, and a former State Chairman, Dr Frank Maduka, described the State Council as one united family large enough to accommodate everyone.
They reminded members that service in the Council is voluntary and urged those entrusted with leadership to remain faithful to the provisions of the Council’s constitution.
The elder statesmen also cautioned against politicising the Council, insisting that its primary purpose is to nurture young leaders, build their capacities, and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of both Anambra State and Nigeria.
They further commended the outgoing administration for preserving the unity of the Council and its stakeholders throughout its tenure, while also applauding the numerous youth-focused programmes initiated under its leadership.
Reacting to the outcome of the congress, the President-General of the Anambra State Town Unions’ Council (ASTUC) Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli, applauded the peaceful and credible process that produced a new leadership for the Anambra State NYCN.
According to him, the outgoing administration has established a worthy legacy of transparent and credible elections, setting a standard that future administrations would find difficult to compromise.
He expressed optimism that the IKC Onuorah-led executive would surpass the achievements of its predecessor.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected State Chairman, Comrade IKC Onuorah, expressed profound appreciation to members of the Council, particularly the outgone Chairman, for remaining steadfast in ensuring that the electoral process was free, fair, transparent, and credible.
He described his election as the beginning of a new era in the Council’s quest for youth empowerment, leadership development, and value reorientation.
Onuorah pledged to pursue an all-inclusive administration focused on transforming the fortunes of Anambra youths through strategic partnerships, innovative programmes, and purposeful leadership.
He also promised to consolidate on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor by sustaining the unity of the Council and projecting a positive image capable of attracting meaningful collaborations for youth empowerment and development.
“I believe the task ahead is enormous, and I want to assure Anambra youths that I will not let them down. I will be their voice. I will run an open administration that welcomes constructive criticism. I will unite Anambra youths, and together we shall continue to attain greater heights.
“I also extend my hand of fellowship to my fellow contestants whose aspirations were driven by a shared vision for a better Anambra NYCN. There is enough room for all of us. I urge you to join hands with me to build a stronger Council. Your ideas are valuable, and together we can achieve much more for Anambra youths,” he said.