61st Symposium in Spain 2025

Building Bridges: 61 Years of Youth Leadership — The NYCN 61st Anniversary Symposium in Madrid

On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Europe Region, in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, hosted its landmark 61st Anniversary Symposium at the prestigious InterContinental Hotel Madrid, located at Paseo de la Castellana 49, 28046 Madrid, Spain.

ThemeTitled “Youth Leadership and Diaspora Responsibility in a Changing World,” the symposium celebrated over six decades of youth engagement while spotlighting the pivotal role of Nigerian youth in the diaspora.

Distinguished Guests & Leaders

The symposium drew an esteemed assembly of dignitaries, leaders, and visionaries, including:

• Honourable Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Student Engagement.

• Her Excellency Mrs. Binta A. Dala, Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain.

• Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, National President of NYCN.

• Ambassador Austin Chuks Igwilo, a distinguished leader and strong voice for Nigerian youth in the diaspora, recognized for his unwavering commitment to community empowerment and cross-continental collaboration.

Keynote addresses were delivered by:

• Dr. Mrs. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Oko, Director General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency.

• Mr. Ayotunde Adigun, Head of Immigration at the Nigerian Embassy in Spain.
  

Event Leadership

• Chief Host: Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of NYCN Europe Region.

• Host: Honourable Ambassador Emmanuel I. Ani, Chairman of the NYCN Spain Chapter.

• Co-hosts: Ambassadors representing NYCN chapters across Europe from the UK and Germany to France, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Switzerland and beyond demonstrating the continent-wide solidarity of the NYCN diaspora family.

Program Highlights

• Panel discussions on youth leadership, policy advocacy, and diaspora responsibility.

• Networking sessions linking young leaders with policymakers and professionals.

• Cultural showcases celebrating Nigeria’s vibrant heritage across Europe.

• Presentation of NYCN’s strategic roadmap for youth inclusion in national development.
  

Why It Mattered

This symposium was more than a commemoration it was a powerful call to action. By convening trailblazers, policymakers, and diaspora leaders such as Ambassador Austin Chuks Igwilo, it reinforced the role of Nigerian youth as drivers of social, economic, and political progress both at home and abroad.

For the Nigerian community in Europe, it bridged geographic distances with a renewed commitment to civic responsibility, global citizenship, and collective empowerment.

Closing Reflection

The 61st Anniversary Symposium in Madrid was a defining moment for NYCN Europe: a testament to the enduring spirit of youth leadership and the growing force of Nigeria’s diaspora. Amidst inspiring conversations and cultural celebrations, leaders like Ambassador Austin Chuks Igwilo reminded participants that Nigerian youth united, empowered, and visionary—remain at the forefront of shaping a brighter future.