Alia Pushing Benue Youth To Centre Stage

On May 29, 2023, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia took over the mantle of leadership of Benue State. Since then, significant changes have been made across all sectors of development that have impacted the state positively. His administration has restored hope, delivered impactful projects, engineer patriotism, and restored people’s confidence in the public service.

The governor has been deliberate about this. Giving opportunities and pushing the youths and women to limelight, to the centre stage, and making them a key component of the Benue regeneration agenda. It is not just in appointing young people to key government positions but most importantly, in opening up new opportunities for skills development, direct employment and full engagement in other areas of development.

The youth population in Benue State is a significant demographic. According to the available data, about 57.3% of the population falls within the youth bracket. These numbers indicate a relatively young population, with a significant proportion of youth that must be coveted by the state to set them on the right path and positively tap from their skills, energy and ideas for the benefit of the state.

In one of such key engagements,  Governor Alia, on September 8, 2025, flagged off the distribution of 4,000 tenera oil palm seedlings to youths across the state. This is a significant move that will have far-reaching economic benefits  to not just the youth , but also the state as a whole.

The Tenera oil palm seedlings are a hybrid variety known for their high yield and shorter fruiting time. These seedlings can produce up to 200 bunches of fruit per year, with each bunch weighing up to 30 kg, translating to a potential of 6,000 kg of oil per tree annually. The distribution of the palm seedlin is no doubt an action of a visionary leadership anchored by Governor Alia. A vision to make agriculture a major driver of youth empowerment in the state.

“These palms will begin to yield in about three years, and millionaires will be created from palm production in Benue State. Governor Alia has made it clear that he is not just giving fish but teaching our youths how to fish,” the state Deputy Governor, Mr Sam Ode said at the flag off of the seeds distribution and opening of a Benue Youth House in Makurdi, the state capital.

The palm initiative is spearheaded by an appointee of the Governor a man  of profound intellect, Mr Alex Addingi, who is the governor’s Special Adviser on International Business.

As a government determined to lead the youth to a purposeful existence, the palm initiative is also another way of steering the youth away from political violence.

“Violence in politics is not allowed under this administration. We know the teaming youths of Benue are not violent, and we urge you to continue to prove that,” the governor said.

On the Benue Youth House, the initiative demonstrated the Alia administration’s commitment to empowering young people through sustainable projects and platforms.The Youth House is the first of its kind in the state. It is a testament to the organizational strength and creativity of Benue youths.

“Never in the history of our partisan politics have we seen youths come together to establish such an edifice. This will support the creative industry and serve as a hub for ideas and innovation,” Alia said.

For the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Taskforce on Illegal Levies, Hon. Terver Gbenda, the initiative is a “dream come true” and a testament to how the Alia administration has continued to accord unprecedented recognition and opportunities to the youth.

Atleast , 13,000 young people have already been engaged across state institutions including SUBEB, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and BIPC, while thousands more have benefited from agricultural support such as subsidized fertilizer and chemicals. This is apart from various infrastructure projects, including township and rural roads necessary to open the rural areas for enhanced economic activities.

No doubt, the long-term benefits of Alia’s people-centered projects are crystal clear. It is not the “temporary political gifts” pushed by those who believe in subjugating the youth. Itit is a comprehensive life-long empowerment. A freedom from the shackles of shylock politicians.

The governor has prioritised life-benefiting projects in roads, hospitals, and agriculture. These are investments in the future of Benue State and its youth population.

For the youth present at the event, it was time for introspection, a renewal of unwavering support to Governor Alia administration ahead of the 2027 election. They emphasized the importance of voter registration and participation, hailed the Youth House as a milestone in political inclusion, and highlighted the administration’s achievements in youth empowerment, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and infrastructural development.

– Bridget Tikyaa Is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communication Strategy