The National Youth Council of Nigeria Diaspora has appointed entrepreneur and former professional footballer, Austin Akpehe, as its Ambassador to China.
In a statement on Thursday issued by its President, Collins Idahosa, and shared by Huhan Galaxay global correspondent, Olukayode Olumuyiwa, the council described the appointment as a new phase of diplomatic and economic engagement for Nigerian youth.
It added that the appointment, which took effect on February 24, 2026, followed a comprehensive review of Akpehe’s contributions to the Nigerian community.
The council stated Akpehe’s emergence signalled “a new era of diplomatic and economic engagement for Nigerian youth.”
The statement added, “As Ambassador to China, Hon. Austin Akpehe is tasked with representing and advocating for the interests of Nigerian youth within China.
“His mandate will focus on strategic collaboration with domestic and international agencies to advance the Council’s core objectives, youth empowerment and development initiatives that foster professional growth and leadership opportunities for young Nigerians in Asia, as well as strengthening bilateral bonds in line with our philosophy of ‘Build The Youth! Build The Nation!’”
Providing insight into his professional profile, the council stated, “Ambassador Akpehe is a seasoned technocrat, an ex-footballer with a B.Sc. in Corporate Management and a UEFA B coaching licence.”
It further noted, “As Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hunan Galaxy Global Trade Development and XT Galaxy Sports Development China, he has built a reputation for bridging economic gaps between China, Europe and Africa.”
Highlighting his leadership roles, the statement read, “He serves as the official representative of the Nigeria Permanent Pavilion at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Demonstration Park in Hunan, Chief Executive Officer of Changsha Changta Business Service Co-operation, and International Market Development Consultant for Huangjing Industry.”
The council noted that the academy “goes beyond sports, actively working to keep young Nigerians away from crime while fostering talent across the continent.”
The NYCN Diaspora leadership also expressed confidence in Akpehe’s capacity to deliver on his new role.
The organisation stated that it has “absolute confidence that Ambassador Akpehe’s leadership qualities and international resources will contribute significantly to the Council’s success.”
It added that the appointment reaffirms its commitment to elevating the status and opportunities of Nigerian youth across the globe.
