By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to making the Benue State Youth Development Commission fully operational to address the aspirations and challenges of young people in the state.
Governor Alia made the commitment on Wednesday while speaking at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration organised by the Benue State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity in collaboration with Benue youths at the IBB Square, Makurdi.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, commended Benue youths for their willingness to contribute to the development of the state, describing them as critical partners in the government’s efforts to transform the state.
He said young people had the capacity to drive innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship and job creation, urging them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by his administration.
Alia charged the youths to acquire relevant skills, embrace agriculture and technology, participate actively in politics and shun social vices, stressing that their background should not limit their contribution to building the Benue of their dreams.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Alfred Emberga, urged youths to resist attempts by politicians to recruit them as political thugs.
Emberga called on the youths to support the administration of Governor Alia, which he said had demonstrated commitment to their welfare and inclusion in governance.
He also challenged young people to reject politicians who were not committed to the development of the state and promised the Assembly’s support for policies and programmes that would have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State chapter, and Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Hon. Victalis Neji, assured youths that the 23 local government chairmen in the state would continue to support young people.
Neji also thanked Governor Alia for finding the council chairmen worthy of service and pledged that they would not disappoint the younger generation.
In his presentation titled, “Where Will the Youth Go After Graduation?”, the Managing Director of Benue State Investment and Property Company, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, urged youths to acquire practical skills that would enable them remain relevant in society.
He described skills and knowledge as the “future currency” of young people, stressing the need for them to prepare themselves for opportunities beyond formal employment.
A youth activist and APC House of Representatives candidate from Kaduna State, Mr. Malmud Sadisbaba, who attended the celebration, said youths should no longer see themselves as “leaders of tomorrow” but as leaders of today.
He urged Benue youths to prepare for leadership, noting that opportunities come with responsibilities.
In his goodwill message, the Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, called on governments at all levels to take deliberate measures to address the challenges confronting young people and create opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in governance.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of D’Fudi Cuisine Limited, Dr. Doom Akpoughol, advised youths to acquire skills that would make them self-reliant and capable of becoming employers of labour.
He urged them to move away from dependence on government employment, noting that opportunities in the public sector could not accommodate all job seekers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Terver Gbenda, said the celebration brought together youths across political parties, ethnic groups, traditional institutions and religious organisations.
Gbenda thanked Governor Alia for giving youths a prominent place in his administration through appointments, employment and various empowerment initiatives, including the training of thousands of young people in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He also encouraged youths to embrace agriculture, which he described as the major economic driver of the state, rather than allowing themselves to be recruited into thuggery and other criminal activities.
FirmNews reports that goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Nigeria Union of Benue State Students, trade union groups and persons with special needs.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding local government chairmen, political appointees, young innovators and students from across the state.
