Int’l Youth Day: Benue Gov challenges youth to lead national transformation

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called on young people across the country to take the lead in transforming and reshaping the nation.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration at the IBB Square in Makurdi, Governor Alia described youths as vital partners in building a strong society.
He stressed that because young people possess the capacity for national transformation, their voices must be heard clearly.
Represented by his Deputy, Barr. Samuel Ode, the Governor urged the youth to stay proactive by asking critical questions, challenging the status quo, and driving solutions.
He noted that International Youth Day serves as a moment to reflect on and celebrate youth creativity and ingenuity, particularly in sports, agriculture, and artisanship.
Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to remaining youth-friendly, assuring that a conducive environment has been created for young people to thrive and prosper.
Echoing these sentiments, the Chairman of the event and Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ojema Ojotu, reminded youths that they are the primary custodians of the state’s future.
“What kind of Benue do we want to inherit, and what kind of leadership would help us build it?” Ojotu asked, identifying high unemployment and insecurity as the biggest threats facing the younger generation.
Ojotu, who also chairs the House Committee on Inland Waterways, urged Benue youths to unite across political, ethnic, and religious lines to combat insecurity.
Adding to the discussion, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Terver Gbenda, highlighted the state’s youth-inclusive governance, noting that over 90% of current political appointees in Benue are young people.
Gbenda outlined several administration milestones, including: 9,700+ youths engaged directly and indirectly through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), 10,000 youths trained in ICT, 2,000 jobs created at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), and 5,000 beneficiaries empowered through the Alia Cares Program.
He also urged youths to avoid political exploitation and appealed for the appointment of a youth as the substantive Commissioner for Youth Affairs.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, expressed concern over the high number of unskilled graduates entering the job market.
He revealed that over 60,200 young persons graduated from higher institutions in the state in 2025 alone without practical skills.
Asemakaha warned against becoming a “wasted generation” and strongly admonished the youth to acquire practical skills to become active problem solvers.