By Prosper Okoye
Young people, youth leaders, entrepreneurs and representatives of more than 30 youth-led organisations converged in Makurdi to mark International Youth Day 2026, adopting a new charter aimed at strengthening youth participation and placing young people at the centre of Benue State’s development agenda.
The event, held under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” was organised by a coalition of youth organisations led by the Benue State chapter of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN).
Organisers stated that the initiative sought to deepen collaboration among young people and encourage collective action on issues affecting youths across the state.
The gathering featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, breakout sessions and cultural performances, culminating in the adoption of the Benue Youth Declaration and Charter 2026.
Benue State Statistician-General, Dr. Kumafan Dzaan, delivered the keynote address, outlining development priorities and opportunities for greater youth engagement.
Two panel discussions formed the centerpiece of the event. The first focused on developing a youth agenda for Benue State and featured discussions on leadership, governance and civic participation. The second explored how young people can leverage global opportunities through entrepreneurship, innovation, investment and international engagement.
Participants later divided into five thematic groups to discuss key development priorities, including economic prosperity and job creation; education, skills and innovation; agriculture and climate action; leadership and governance; and peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The discussions examined challenges facing young people, barriers to development, policy and institutional reforms, and the role of youth in advancing sustainable solutions.
A major outcome of the event was the adoption of the Benue Youth Declaration and Charter 2026, which organisers said would consolidate recommendations from the deliberations and serve as a framework for engagement between young people, government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
Speaking after the event, coalition leaders reaffirmed their committment to strengthening youth-led collaboration and ensuring that young people play a greater role in shaping the development priorities of Benue State.
The coalition also expressed appreciation to partner organisations, volunteers, facilitators, media teams and participants for supporting the International Youth Day commemoration.
