Special Programme Planned For Benue Youths

The  NOBUL Africa Foundation, Institutional Accountability & Transparency (i-ACT) Project and Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) have collaborated to revolutionise youth-driven governance in Benue State.

The director of NOBUL Africa Foundation, Soohemba Agatha Aker, presented her keynote address at the launch yesterday in Makurdi and emphasised the urgent need for the project to thrive for the betterment of the state’s youth.

She highlighted the challenges faced by young people in Benue, including violence, displacement, and disrupted livelihoods, and stressed the importance of connecting them to real governance opportunities.

” The i-ACT Project is designed to move young people from learning, to institutional immersion, to policy innovation. Unlike traditional workshops, the programme combines practical training with hands-on experience in public institutions, enabling young participants to propose tangible policy recommendations based on their observations.

“The impact of the project is expected to be transformative, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to engage with public servants, identify gaps in service delivery, and advocate for policy change,” she said.

Aker encouraged eligible Benue residents aged 18-35 to apply for the programme, with a particular emphasis on women, persons with disabilities, and youth from marginalised communities.

She stressed that the launch of the i-ACT Project marks a significant step towards youth inclusion in governance in Benue State. With the support of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, NOBUL Africa Foundation  is paving the way for young people to move beyond grievances and play an active role in shaping the future of their communities.

“The i-ACT Project offers a platform for Benue  youth to transition from being bystanders to being active participants in governance, with the necessary skills, access, and opportunities to drive accountability and reform,” she added.