Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has called on Benue youth to avoid violence in politics and focus on empowerment opportunities provided by the state government.
Governor Alia made this known on Monday in Makurdi during the commissioning of the Benue Youth House and the distribution of 4,000 oil palm stands to young people across the state.
Representing the governor, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, said, “His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has directed me to inform all of us that violence in politics has no place in this administration. We are committed to fostering a peaceful environment where our youth can thrive.”
Dr. Ode stressed the government’s commitment to peace and youth development, adding that “Benue youth are inherently peace-loving and resilient.” He explained that the oil palm stands distribution is part of the administration’s vision of “teaching youth how to fish.”
“The oil palm revolution of the Alia administration is geared towards empowering our youth. It aims to reach all the 276 wards of the state, providing sustainable empowerment that can lift our youth out of poverty and enable them to make independent decisions,” he said.
He also praised Hon. Terver Gbenda, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, describing him as a grassroots mobiliser who is passionate and committed to the cause.
The deputy governor acknowledged the creative industry in the state, assuring young artists of the government’s support. He promised that requests for musical equipment, more operational vehicles, and the establishment of youth offices across the 23 local government areas would be conveyed to the governor.
Benue State APC Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Omale, in his address, commended Governor Alia for prioritising youth development. He said the governor’s programmes were improving livelihoods, while also urging youth not to be misled by superficial gifts. He called on them to remain focused and work towards the governor’s reelection in 2027.
Earlier, Hon. Terver Gbenda, in his welcome remarks, applauded the governor’s empowerment efforts, which include employment programmes, subsidised farm implements, free oil palm stands for agriculture, and the donation of buses to ease transportation. He pledged the loyalty of Benue youth to the Alia administration and assured their support for his reelection bid in 2027.
The highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of the Governor Alia Youth House, followed by the distribution of 4,000 oil palm stands to youth representatives from the 23 local government areas, symbolising sustainable empowerment for the next generation.