FIC Report (Benue State) – Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the operationalisation of the Benue State Youth Development Commission as part of efforts to address the aspirations and challenges of young people and harness their potential for the development of the state.
Governor Alia stated this on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, during the celebration of the 2026 International Youth Day organised by the Benue State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity in collaboration with Benue youths at the IBB Square, Makurdi.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, the Governor described youths as strategic partners in the development of the state and commended them for their willingness to actively contribute to building a prosperous Benue.
He noted that young people possess enormous potential in areas such as innovation, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship, stressing that their creativity and skills could significantly drive job creation and economic growth.
Governor Alia urged the youths to take advantage of opportunities provided by his administration by acquiring relevant skills, embracing agriculture and technology, and participating actively in the political process.
He also charged them to shun social vices, thuggery, criminality and other activities capable of jeopardising their future, urging them to remain committed to contributing positively to the development of Benue, irrespective of their backgrounds.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Mr. Terver Gbenda, said the celebration brought together young people across political, ethnic, traditional and religious divides.
Gbenda commended Governor Alia for creating opportunities for youths to serve at various levels of government through appointments and employment, as well as supporting the training of thousands of young people in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He encouraged the youths to embrace agriculture, which he described as the mainstay of the state’s economy, rather than engaging in thuggery, criminality and other social vices.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Nigeria Union of Benue State Students, the Trade Union Group and persons with special needs.
The celebration also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding local government council chairmen, political appointees, young innovators and students from across the state.
BRIDGET TARKER
For Head of Center FIC
Makurdi.
