The otherwise serene School of Nursing Auditorium of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, was abuzz Sunday as dozens of vibrant young people thronged to celebrate International Youth Day 2025.
Observed globally on August 12 every year since the United Nations’ landmark acknowledgement in 2000, the celqebration in Benue, the self-acclaimed ‘food basket of the country,’ was a rallying point for hope, patriotism, and national oneness.
The atmosphere was tense the instant Governor Hyacinth Alia rose to speak. With fervor, he called Benue youths “the most creative youth on the face of Nigeria” and urged them to position themselves as agents of change.
“You are what the whole future is made of,” he insisted, reminding the gathering that it was the day to rejoice in their resilience, creativity, and capacity to shape the fate of the state.
The governor called for optimism, oneness, and patriotism, cautioning against divisive politics and negative cultural influences. He also called on youths to get registered to vote, calling the voter’s card their “voice to fast-forward development.”
In the coming years, Alia stated that International Youth Day 2026 would be even bigger, with competitions, art exhibitions, and youth-initiated projects across the state all funded by the government.
Youth Empowerment and Agricultural Opportunities
As one of the initiatives of his government’s empowerment and agric support programme, Alia reiterated his willingness to help young farmers with the availability of free preparation of land, quality seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and technical assistance. Highlighting the agricultural capability of Benue, he said:
“Benue State is the number one producer of soyabeans in Nigeria and a global leader in yam production… This is your Benue, and you are the change we talk about.”
In addition to the youth groups, the governor also made a ₦20 million grant and the donation of five brand new 14-seater buses available to educational, political, and social youth organizations.
Voices of Support
Also strengthening his optimism were the speakers at the event.
Hon Fidelis Unongo, Special Adviser on Special Duties, pointed out that the Alia administration is unique in that it is the only administration with a cabinet made up of around 70 per cent youths.
State Youth Leader Hon Terver Gbenda commended Alia’s move to tackle cultism, beef up security around hotspots like North Bank, Wadata, and Otukpo, and stop harassment of youths during construction projects.
Comrade Peter Akperashi, President, National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), lauded development in infrastructures such as tarred roads and solar streetlights in student-dwelled places, promising total support of the governor’s leadership by the students.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
Touchingly, Governor Alia awarded Miss Naswem Joy Doose of SORA HEIGHTS School, Gboko, who also scored 369 in the 2025 JAMB Benue’s top scorer and third overall in the nation. He also celebrated two students of Kusaki Secondary School who scored eight distinctions each in WAEC and represented Benue at the national science competition.
Pledging to sponsor their studies around the globe, Alia promised to sponsor their studies in any university in the entire world and even celebrating their 18th birthday at the Government House.
A Day of Celebration
The celebration climaxed with cultural dances, music, and parties in upbeat mood. As the sun went down on Makurdi, there was one message that pervaded: Benue’s youths are ready to take their place, and their government is ready to assist them.
According to Governor Alia:
This is your Benue, and you are the change we refer to.
