By joshua 
Fairness, Not Favoritism: Comr Blessing Julius Demands Electoral Justice in NYCN Idah Election
Lokoja, Kogi State – March 10, 2025
Leadership is about service, vision, and the courage to break barriers. At a defining moment for youth leadership in Idah, Comr. Blessing Julius Ele-Ojo, a seasoned youth advocate and accomplished NYCN leader, has declared her ambition to serve as the Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Idah Chapter.
Speaking at the Youth House in Lokoja earlier today, after the hearing of a petition challenging her eligibility, she reaffirmed her commitment to a credible, development-focused youth leadership rooted in equity, empowerment, and constitutional integrity.
With the forthcoming local government election drawing near, Ele-Ojo’s bid for NYCN leadership takes on added significance, as youth participation in governance and electoral processes remains a critical issue. Her declaration comes at a time when female representation in NYCN executive positions is still disproportionately low, despite the council’s role in shaping the future of young Nigerians. Over the years, women have been sidelined in key decision-making roles, often relegated to auxiliary positions. A reality Ele-Ojo insists must change.
With a distinguished record of service as Program Officer II in the Kogi State Chapter of NYCN, Ele-Ojo has led impactful youth engagement initiatives, policy advocacy, and capacity-building. Her experience across National and international platforms has shaped a progressive, results-driven leadership vision, one that prioritizes strategic partnerships, expanded opportunities for young people, and the inclusion of more women in leadership.
She did not mince words about the urgent need to dismantle the barriers that keep women from decision-making tables, emphasizing that female voices are not just necessary but critical to shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of all youth.
“For decades, the National Youth Council and similar structures have seen limited female representation in executive positions, not because women lack the capacity to lead, but because the system has not fully embraced inclusivity. That must change. Women bring strength, vision, and transformative leadership, and it is time to create room for more female voices at the table, not as a privilege, but as a necessity.”
NYCN, she insists, must transcend ceremonial rhetoric and evolve into a true force for empowerment that does not merely acknowledge young people but actively builds pathways for them to thrive. Her leadership, she affirms, will be about breaking ceilings, forging new alliances, and ensuring that every ambitious young person in Idah has access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Addressing the petition against her, Ele-Ojo dismissed the challenge to her indigene status of Idah as a desperate attempt to distract from real issues, stating that her ancestral lineage, official documentation, and years of service to Idah’s youth speak for themselves.
She further called for strict adherence to the NYCN Constitution, urging the Electoral Committee to disqualify aspirants who do not meet eligibility criteria, particularly pointing out that Abdullahi Isah’s candidacy directly violates the NYCN Constitution, given that he is above the age limit and currently holds a partisan political office as a serving councillor.
“The credibility of this election depends on the integrity of the process. The NYCN Constitution is clear, and justice must not be selective. The youth of Idah and beyond are watching. What we permit today will define leadership for years to come.”
With the upcoming local government election setting the stage for a new leadership era, Ele-Ojo’s declaration is not just about contesting an election—it is about setting a standard where leadership must be built on merit, accountability, and a vision that serves all. As the process unfolds, she remains confident that the right decision will be made. One that prioritizes justice, competence, and the future of Idah youth.