By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
ABUJA — In a landmark achievement for Nigerian youth diplomacy, Bello Bala Shagari, former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and grandson of former President Shehu Shagari, has emerged as the Vice Chair for Africa in the newly constituted Executive Board of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO).
The election, held during NAMYO’s first Extraordinary General Meeting on July 29, 2025, brought together national chapters from across continents to usher in a new era of global youth leadership under the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
The selection of Shagari—alongside other newly elected Vice Chairs and Board Members representing Asia, Eastern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and other parts of Africa—signals a renewed global commitment to youth inclusion, strategic engagement, and transcontinental cooperation.
According to a statement from the NAMYO Secretariat, the election process adhered strictly to the NAMYO Statute ratified in 2022, reinforcing transparency, inclusiveness, and regional balance. The statement also outlined that the new Executive Board is tasked with developing a forward-looking agenda and enhancing collaboration among youth from NAM member states.
Africa’s full representation on the new Executive Board includes:
- Vice Chair (Africa): Nigeria – Bello Bala Shagari
- Board Members: Algeria, Zimbabwe, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania
Reacting to his election, Shagari stated:
“It is a great honor to serve in this capacity and to work alongside other passionate young leaders across the globe. I remain committed to fostering unity among African youth and ensuring their voices are heard on global platforms.”
Shagari’s elevation to this continental role is widely regarded as a significant win for Nigerian youth advocacy, further boosting Nigeria’s presence in international youth diplomacy circles. It also underscores the confidence that African youth have in his experience, vision, and leadership capacity.
Founded to champion peace, development, and active youth participation, NAMYO has become an increasingly relevant force within the broader Non-Aligned Movement, a coalition of 120 countries representing the Global South.
With this new leadership, NAMYO is poised to deepen its policy influence, visibility, and partnerships through structured programs, regional synergy, and global youth advocacy campaigns.
Newspot Nigeria congratulates Bello Bala Shagari on his historic election and will continue to spotlight stories that shape the future of African leadership and youth participation on the global stage.
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