A Nigerian, Ms. Irene Onwuka, a frontline youth activist and gender advocate, has emerged as Vice President, West Africa, Pan-African Youth Union (PYU).
Onwuka, who is to coordinate the youth development activities of the organisation in West Africa, emerged unopposed to fill the vacant position on Monday in Abuja.
PYU is the apex and coordinating body for National Youth Councils and the statutory voice for African youths. It has its headquarters in Rabat, Morocco.
She is now the first female from Nigeria to occupy the PYU executive position since the formation of the organization.
Onwuka, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, for their roles in her victory.
She also commended the Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, and the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, for their support.
“I realise the huge responsibilities of my office and promise to hit the ground running alongside her colleagues in the PYU.
Onwuka said the youth leaders would unify to develop programmes to address youth unemployment, risky migration, violence, and insecurity, among other challenges confronting the youth across countries in West Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onwuka is expected to be sworn in at a later date at the PYU headquarters in Morocco.
PYU has consultative status with the African Union and special observation status at all African heads of state and government meetings.
It would be recalled that the former Vice President, Mr. Oladele Nihi, had resigned from the office following his appointment by the Kogi State governor as Chief Press Secretary. (NAN)
