About Southern Nigeria Youth Congress

The Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC) is the apex youth organization representing young people across the 17 states of Southern Nigeria, including the South-East, South-South, and South-West regions. It is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and recognized by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development as the leading youth consultative union in Southern Nigeria.

The idea for a unifying platform for youths in Southern Nigeria was conceived in 2014 by Amb. Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole, then a final-year student at Federal Polytechnic Nekede. The goal was to bridge cultural, ethnic, and political gaps among the various ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria and to provide a strong platform for the voices of Southern Nigerian youths to be heard.

A dedicated team was formed, and consultations began across the Southern Nigeria region to gain the support of stakeholders. This consultation process continued until 2016.

Recognizing the need for a unified voice to address regional interests in the Nigerian polity, the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress was established. The first Southern stakeholders meeting was held at the Delta State Government House Squash Club in Asaba on July 8, 2016. During this meeting, Chief Sir Dele Omenogor, General Manager of Akleen Oil Servicing Company and Chairman of Konum Farms, was appointed National Grand Patron. Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, then Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, was appointed National Adviser/Patron. Dr. Kingsley Ojei, Medical Director of Chinwendu Hospital, Awo, and President of Izu Anioma, was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Engr. Nworie Norbert, a Principal Lecturer at Federal Polytechnic Nekede, was appointed Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and Comr. Funmiso Babarinde was appointed First Member/Spokesperson of the Board.

Amb. Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole was elected as the pioneer President General. The inaugural leadership of the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress was officially inaugurated on September 16, 2016.

In December 2018, Amb. Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole handed over to Comr. Famuyibo Nathaniel Oluwasegun as President General. On May 20, 2023, Comr. Emordi Ugochukwu Caleb (Odogwu) GCA was inaugurated as the third substantive President General of the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress.

Over the years, the organization has evolved under various leaders and now has structures across the 17 states of Southern Nigeria.