USGEAAN BENUE CHAPTER LEADS COALITION OF YOUTH-LED ORGANISATIONS TO MARK INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026
*USGEAAN BENUE CHAPTER LEADS COALITION OF YOUTH-LED ORGANISATIONS TO MARK INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026*
Solidarity Walk Sets the Tone for Grand Finale Focused on Youth Priorities and the Benue Dream
By Daniel Chiaza
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The Benue Chapter of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) has led a coalition of youth-led organisations and stakeholders in Benue State in activities to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, with the global theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
As part of the commemoration, the coalition on Wednesday, August 12, organised a Solidarity Walk in Makurdi, bringing together young people and representatives of youth-focused organisations to promote unity, inclusion, peace, climate action and meaningful youth participation.
The participants converged at the High Level Underpass, from where they commenced the solidarity procession towards the Benue State Government House.
While addressing participants, Dr. Akpem Terese Shadrach, Benue State Coordinator of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association appreciated the leadership and members of organizations that joined the procession while reminding them of the critical need to rally together in pushing a youth agenda that advances collective development and increased opportunities for young people in the State.
The walk served as a visible expression of the collective aspirations of young people in the state and their commitment to contributing meaningfully to the development of Benue. Following the conclusion of the walk at the Government House, participants dispersed and subsequently joined the broader International Youth Day activities at IBB Square, Makurdi.
Grand Finale Holds Saturday, 15th July, 2026.
The week-long activities will culminate in a Grand Finale Conference on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Centre for Food Technology Research (CEFTER), GRA, Makurdi, Benue State, close to the Road Safety Office.
The programme begins at 10:00 a.m. and is expected to convene young leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, civil society organisations, government representatives, development stakeholders and other actors committed to advancing youth development.
A major feature of the conference will be two high-level panel sessions, bringing together experienced youth leaders, business leaders and economic stakeholders with established records of leadership, enterprise and community impact.
The sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to examine critical issues affecting young people, explore pathways to greater economic participation and leadership, and identify practical strategies for positioning Benue youths to engage more effectively with opportunities locally, nationally and globally.
*Developing a Youth Charter for Benue (The Benue Dream)*
Beyond the panel discussions, the grand finale will provide a platform for a collective conversation on the future of young people in the state.
A key outcome of the conference will be the development of a Benue Youth Charter (The Benue Dream) designed to articulate the aspirations, priorities and expectations of young people while contributing to a broader conversation around the Benue Dream and its connection to the Nigerian Dream.
The initiative seeks to move the conversation from identifying challenges to defining shared priorities and practical actions that can contribute to a more prosperous, inclusive and youth-responsive society.
The coalition is consequently inviting young people and stakeholders from across Benue State to participate in the grand finale and contribute their perspectives to a document intended to reflect the collective aspirations of the next generation.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Centre for Food Technology Research (CEFTER), GRA, Makurdi, Benue State — close to the Road Safety Office
Theme: Different Contexts, Common Aspirations
Registration is free, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their tickets ahead of the event.
The organisers emphasise that the International Youth Day 2026 commemoration is designed not merely as a celebration, but as a platform for dialogue, connection, collaboration and collective action towards a better future for young people in Benue and Nigeria.
Present at the event included leaders and members across Go-Green, Hub 17, YALI Benue Chapter, and a host of other organizations.
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