Benue SSG Assures Youth Alliance Of Friendly Policies

The secretary to the Benue State government (SSG), Deaconess Deborah Aber, has described the National Youth Alliance (NYA) as a laudable initiative and its national president, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, as a great leader.

This was contained in a statement signed by the special adviser on Media to NYA President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, in Kaduna yesterday.

It said Aber spoke on Monday in Makurdi at a youth seminar with the theme, “Birthing A New Nation”, as well as the inauguration of 121 NYA coordinators for the North Central zone.

She congratulated the coordinators and symbolically gave the NYA president a Tiv name, “Terhemen,” meaning “Father Leads.”

Aber also praised the NYA leadership’s initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth-friendly policies.

She said the Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration had integrated many young people into governance and urged the youth to remain focused and productive.

Abbas, in his welcome address, said the association was established in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections to promote a “new Nigeria” free from electoral malpractice and systemic irregularities.

He explained that the organisation’s guiding philosophy, captured in its slogan “Birthing a New Nigeria”, was rooted in the desire to rebuild national values and deepen democratic accountability.

Abbas said the alliance is non-partisan and not opposed to the government, but remains committed to holding leaders accountable.

According to him, the group is funded by like-minded individuals in Nigeria and the diaspora, and it is not sponsored by any political figure.

He added that NYA would leverage its nationwide structures to advocate for youth welfare and influence political engagement ahead of future elections.

The special guest of honour, Prof. Patrick Ukase, challenged young people to take responsibility for leadership, stressing that political power is not handed over but must be actively pursued. He lamented that youths often disengage after elections despite their numerical strength and capacity to demand accountability.

Earlier, the NYA director in Benue State, Cynthia Ogbe, described the inauguration as a defining moment that should foster unity, purpose and a collective commitment to excellence among young people. She said NYA came at a critical time when Nigeria is grappling with insecurity and economic challenges.

On behalf of the coordinators, the Makurdi local government area coordinator, Barr Dominic Shwa, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them.