The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Dr. Shaku Justine Orangoholga, has charged youths across the state to take ownership of the economic opportunities emerging from the development agenda of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Shaku made the call on Tuesday at the IBB Square, Makurdi, while addressing thousands of youths and support groups from the 23 local government areas who converged for a Town Hall Meeting with Governor Alia.
He said the Governor’s development agenda was gradually repositioning Benue for sustainable economic growth, urging young people not to remain on the sidelines but to acquire skills, embrace entrepreneurship and take advantage of government-backed opportunities.
The ALGON chairman said the administration’s interventions in infrastructure, industrialisation, education, employment, security and other critical sectors were laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Benue. He particularly commended Governor Alia for creating an avenue for direct interaction with youths and support groups, describing the town hall meeting as evidence of a government that was willing to listen to the people and respond to their concerns.
According to him, the opportunity for young people from across the 23 local government areas to speak directly with the Governor and receive responses from him was significant and reflected a new approach to governance in the state. Shaku said the engagement had further strengthened the bond between the Governor and the people, adding that the growing confidence in the administration was a reflection of its development efforts.
He also praised Governor Alia for supporting the 23 local government councils in rebuilding critical infrastructure and addressing areas that had been neglected for years. “Your Excellency, the Benue people are with you. The support you have given to the 23 Local Government Chairmen to rebuild what has long been neglected by past administrations is highly commendable. We will work round the clock to return you to power come 2027,” Shaku told the Governor.
He assured the Governor that the local government chairmen would continue to mobilise support for the administration at the grassroots, stressing that the people were increasingly identifying with its development agenda.
The ALGON chairman said the reforms being implemented by the administration had rekindled hope among Benue people, particularly the youths, who he said were beginning to see new avenues for employment, enterprise and economic empowerment. He urged young people to make themselves relevant to the changing economic landscape by acquiring marketable skills, developing businesses and participating actively in programmes designed to improve livelihoods.
Shaku further commended the massive turnout at the town hall meeting, describing the gathering as a demonstration of the growing interest of Benue youths in the Governor’s development agenda. He assured the youths that Governor Alia would remain focused on fulfilling his mandate and delivering programmes capable of improving the welfare of citizens and strengthening the state’s economic foundation.
The ALGON chairman expressed appreciation to the youths and support groups for their solidarity and participation, while praying for God’s guidance and safe journeys for all participants returning to their respective local government areas.
