By Bashir Bello, Abuja
The Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Deaconess Deborah Aber, Esq., has described the National Youth Alliance (NYA) as a laudable initiative, while describing its National President, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas as a great leader.
This was contained in a statement signed by the SA Media to NYA President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday April 14, 2026.
According to the statement, she expressed this in Makurdi on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Dream Event Centre, Makurdi, at a youth seminar with the theme, Birthing A New Nation” as well as inauguration of 121 NYA Coordinators for the North Central zone.
She congratulated the newly inaugurated coordinators and symbolically gave the NYA President a Tiv name, “Terhemen,” meaning “Father Leads.”
Aber praised the initiative of the NYA leadership and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to youth-friendly policies.
She noted that the Governor Hyacinth Alia led administration has already integrated many young people into governance and urged the youth to remain focused and productive.
National President of NYA, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas in his welcome address, said that the association was established in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections to promote a “new Nigeria” free from electoral malpractice and systemic irregularities.
He explained that the organisation’s guiding philosophy, captured in its slogan “Birthing a New Nigeria,” is rooted in the desire to rebuild national values and deepen democratic accountability.
Abbas emphasized that the alliance is non-partisan and not opposed to government, but remains committed to holding leaders accountable.
According to him, the group is funded by like-minded individuals both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, stressing that it is not sponsored by any political figure.
He added that NYA would leverage its nationwide structures to advocate youth welfare and influence political engagement ahead of future elections.
The NYA President also commended the administration of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, noting that leaders who demonstrate commitment to development should be encouraged.
Also speaking, the Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Patrick Ukase, challenged young people to take responsibility for leadership, stressing that political power is not handed over but must be actively pursued. He lamented that youths often disengage after elections despite their numerical strength and capacity to demand accountability.
Ukase advised youths, women, and girls to organize themselves, define their political direction, and resist manipulation by self-serving politicians. He assured them of his continued support as an academic committed to youth advancement.
Earlier, the NYA Director in Benue State, Cynthia Ogbe, described the inauguration as a defining moment that should foster unity, purpose, and a collective commitment to excellence among young people. She noted that the emergence of NYA comes at a critical time when Nigeria is grappling with insecurity and economic challenges.
On behalf of the newly inaugurated coordinators, the Makurdi Local Government Coordinator, Barr. Dominic Shwa, expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them.
He pledged their commitment to mobilizing youths effectively and called for sustained support and cooperation.
The highpoint of the event was the decoration of the NYA National President in Tiv traditional attire, symbolizing cultural acceptance and unity.
