Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has praised and glorified the youths of Benue State as the world marks International Youth Day.

Governor Alia who described Benue youths as vibrant and resilient, said as the proud Food Basket of the Nation, Benue’s greatest harvest is not just from the soil, but in the boundless energy, creativity, and strength of her young people.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to making the state Youth Development Commission fully operational to address the challenges confronting the younger generation in the state.

Governor Alia who spoke via his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, commended the 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.

The governor noted that 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.

He implored 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.

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Alfred Emberga, who also spoke at the event, urged the youths to support the administration of Governor Alia, which he said had demonstrated commitment to their welfare and inclusion in governance.

The speaker 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), in the state, and Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Victalis Neji, assured youths that the 23 local government chairmen in 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.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Gbenda Terver , 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.

In a goodwill message, 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.

Dr. Asemakaha described skills and knowledge as the “future currency” of young people, stressing the need for them to prepare themselves for opportunities beyond formal employment.

The Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, in his message, 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.

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