Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Uyinmwen Ativie, the first female President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and a Life Member of its Board of Trustees, has congratulated Ambassador Collins Osazee Idahosa on his historic emergence as the first-ever democratically elected Governor of the NYCN Diaspora and the first-ever Governor in the history of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
Ativie, in a statement issued at the weekend, said Idahosa’s victory represented a new chapter in the council’s efforts to strengthen the participation of diaspora youths in national development and global engagement.
The former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly praised the newly elected diaspora leader for his commitment to youth mobilization and institution-building across Europe, noting that his election was a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by young Nigerians abroad.
She said, “Ambassador Idahosa has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in bringing together Nigerian youths across Europe. His emergence as the first democratically elected Governor of the NYCN Diaspora is a testament to his dedication, capacity and vision for a united diaspora community.”
Ativie highlighted several milestones recorded under Idahosa’s leadership, including the successful harmonisation of diaspora youth groups across Europe and the development of the 2026 NYCN Diaspora Constitution, which established the Diaspora Youth Congress as the framework’s highest decision-making body.
She also commended his efforts in expanding the council’s presence through active chapters in countries including the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy, as well as his role in promoting Nigerian youth interests on international platforms.
According to her, Idahosa’s contributions to youth development and diaspora engagement have earned him recognition beyond Nigeria, including nominations and honours from international organisations.
The former NYCN President, however, warned individuals and groups seeking to undermine the mandate of the newly elected diaspora leadership through what she described as unauthorised structures and misleading claims.
She stressed that the council’s constitutional framework recognised only duly elected officers and cautioned against attempts to create parallel leadership arrangements capable of causing division within the organisation.
“The era of illegality and backdoor leadership is over. The Board of Trustees recognises the democratically elected leadership of Ambassador Collins Idahosa in the diaspora. Any attempt by impostors or external actors to destabilise that mandate will be resisted through lawful means,” she stated.
Ativie urged members of the diaspora chapter and stakeholders across the globe to support the new administration in advancing youth empowerment, accountability, strategic partnerships and national development.
She expressed confidence that under Idahosa’s leadership, the NYCN Diaspora would strengthen its role as a bridge between Nigerian youths abroad and opportunities for development at home.