Dauphin Commends NYCN Leadership, Unveils Agenda in Oil, Gas, and Minerals Directorate. .
By Raymond Enoch
In a renewed push to revitalize youth engagement in Nigeria’s strategic extractive sectors, Comrade Christian Dauphin, the Director of the Directorate of Petroleum, Gas and Solid Minerals at the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has applauded the Council’s National Executive Committee (NEC) for hosting what he termed a “strategically transformative” National Leadership Retreat.
Held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Palms Hotel in Abuja, the high-level retreat brought together NYCN’s National Executive Members, State Chairmen, and Directors for a deep dive into actionable leadership frameworks and development strategies. The event was spearheaded by the Council’s dynamic National President, Amb. Solomon Adodo.
Speaking after the retreat, Comrade Dauphin described the sessions as “intellectually enriching,” adding that the dialogue and capacity-building activities have repositioned the Council for more proactive engagement across national development fronts.
“The retreat has rekindled our collective vision and renewed our resolve to deliver tangible impact. The NYCN is no longer sleeping—it has risen to take its rightful place as a national development ally,” he declared.
Comrade Dauphin emphasized that this retreat marks the symbolic reawakening of the NYCN after years of organizational dormancy, commending the leadership for reinvigorating its structure and vision. He further noted that the Council is now strategically positioned to partner with both public and private sectors in delivering youth-centric solutions across Nigeria.
Unlocking Youth Power in Nigeria’s Extractive Sectors
Significantly, Dauphin unveiled a bold strategic direction for the Directorate of Petroleum, Gas and Solid Minerals, which he heads. According to him, a series of strategic engagements are being developed to harness the untapped potential of Nigeria’s extractive industries to combat youth unemployment and drive youth-led economic growth.
“We are working towards unlocking the vast opportunities in the petroleum, gas, and solid minerals sectors. Our aim is to build inclusive frameworks that provide access, skills, and entrepreneurship opportunities to young Nigerians,” he said.
The Directorate plans to partner with regulatory agencies, private investors, and key ministries to ensure that Nigerian youth are not only beneficiaries but also drivers of innovation and growth across all value chains in the oil and mineral industries.
A Vision Aligned with National Priorities
Dauphin was unequivocal in aligning the Directorate’s upcoming projects with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He stressed the importance of channeling the energy of Nigerian youth toward national economic diversification and sustainable development.
Sector-focused skill acquisition programs
Youth entrepreneurship development in extractives
Policy advocacy for youth inclusion in investment and decision-making processes
Strategic partnerships with both local and international development actors
“These initiatives are designed not only to empower young people but to make them central stakeholders in Nigeria’s transformation journey,” Dauphin added.
Call for Support and Collaboration
In his closing remarks, Comrade Christian Dauphin reaffirmed his loyalty to the NYCN’s leadership and called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support the Council’s redefined mission.
“We are ready to work. The Directorate is committed to delivering results. But we need the collaboration of all stakeholders to make this vision a reality. Together, we can turn Nigeria’s extractive wealth into inclusive prosperity for our youth.”
With this fresh momentum, the NYCN under Amb. Solomon Adodo and visionary directors like Comrade Dauphin is poised to play a defining role in shaping the future of Nigerian youth through strategic action, sectoral collaboration, and transformative leadership.
