By Prosper Okoye
The Benue chapter of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) on Wednesday led a coalition of youth organisations in a solidarity walk in Makurdi as part of activities marking International Youth Day.
The walk, held under the global theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” brought together young people and representatives of youth-focused organisations to promote youth participation, inclusion, peace and climate action.
Participants gathered at the High Level Underpass before proceeding to the Benue State Government House.
Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Benue State coordinator of USGEAAN, thanked participating organisations and urged young people to work together to advance a common youth agenda and expand opportunities for young people in the state.
“The need to rally together in pushing a youth agenda that advances collective development and increased opportunities for young people in the state cannot be overemphasised,” Shadrach said.
The participants later joined other International Youth Day activities at IBB Square in Makurdi.
The week-long programme will conclude on Saturday with a youth conference at the Centre for Food Technology Research (CEFTER) in GRA, Makurdi.
The conference, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., is expected to bring together young leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, civil society organisations, government representatives and development partners.
Two panel sessions will focus on issues affecting young people, including economic participation, leadership and access to opportunities at the local, national and international levels.
Organisers also plan to develop a “Benue Youth Charter”, known as “The Benue Dream”, which they say will outline the aspirations and priorities of young people in the state.
The charter is intended to provide a framework for discussing youth priorities and their contribution to the broader development of Benue and Nigeria.
Organisers said participation in the conference was open to young people and other stakeholders across the state.
Representatives of Go-Green, Hub 17, YALI Benue Chapter and other youth-focused organisations participated in Wednesday’s activities.
International Youth Day is observed annually on Aug. 12 to highlight issues affecting young people and promote their participation in social, economic and political development.
