Benue Youths Demand Greater Role in Governance, Economic Development

By Prosper Okoye

The Benue chapter of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) has called for stronger youth participation in economic development, governance and peacebuilding in the state.

The call was made during activities organised by USGEAAN in partnership with more than 30 youth-led organisations and other stakeholders to mark International Youth Day under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

More than 250 young professionals, youth leaders and representatives of youth organisations participated in the activities, which began with a solidarity walk on August 12 from the High Level Underpass to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi.

The programme culminated in a youth dialogue on August 15 at the Centre for Food Technology Research, CEFTER, Makurdi.

The Benue State Coordinator of USGEAAN, Dr Terese Shadrach Akpem, said the gathering provided an opportunity for young people to unite around a common development agenda.

“The need to rally together in pushing a youth agenda that advances collective development and increased opportunities for young people in the state cannot be overemphasised,” Akpem said.

The Benue State Statistician-General, Kumafan Dzaan, who delivered the keynote address on preparing young people for the global stage, urged youths to take ownership of the future they desire.

“Globalisation is a standard, not a location,” Dzaan said.

The dialogue brought together representatives from government, business, technology, peacebuilding, investment and community development.

Two panel sessions examined the development of a youth agenda for Benue and strategies for connecting young people with global opportunities.

Participants also discussed economic prosperity and decent jobs; education, skills and innovation; agriculture and sustainable livelihoods; leadership, governance and social inclusion; and peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

The discussions focused on challenges confronting young people and the roles of government, institutions, businesses and youth organisations in creating opportunities and strengthening youth participation.

A major outcome was the adoption of the Benue Youth Charter, also known as “The Benue Dream.”

Organisers said the charter would consolidate the priorities and recommendations from the dialogue and provide a framework for sustained advocacy and policy engagement on youth development in Benue State.

The USGEAAN Benue chapter commended participating organisations, partners, volunteers, facilitators, rapporteurs and media teams for their contributions, saying the initiative was aimed at translating conversations on youth aspirations into sustained engagement and practical action.