Comrade Umaru Bala Babayaro of Kaduna State has emerged as the National Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), defeating his closest rival, Comrade Mahmud Lawal of Zamfara State, at the organisation’s national convention in Abuja.
Babayaro was declared winner by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Convention Chairman, Comrade Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel, after securing the highest number of valid votes cast by youth delegates representing the 774 local government areas across the country.
His emergence marks the beginning of the fifth Assembly of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria.
In his reaction, Babayaro expressed appreciation to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for his support and encouragement, while also acknowledging the contributions of the National Patron of YAN and Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, towards the success of the convention.
He described Matawalle and Uba Sani as the “Grand Commanders of the Nigerian Youth Forces”, saying their support and commitment to youth development would remain appreciated.
Other officials elected at the convention include Raymond Okpani of Cross River State as National Deputy Speaker; Bunmi Ekungba of Ogun State as Majority Leader; Adams Kesuwo of Plateau State as Chief Whip; and Princess Peace Nwobilo of Abia State as Minority Leader.
Others are Saidu Mohammed of Adamawa State as Deputy Majority Leader; Sotonye Ekine of Rivers State as Deputy Chief Whip; and Zainab Yau as Deputy Minority Leader.
The organisation is expected to formally present the newly elected officials to its National Patron, Dr Bello Matawalle, in the coming days.
The convention brought together youth delegates from across the country to elect leaders for the fifth Assembly and determine the organisation’s leadership direction.
