Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, has urged those who wrongly label the state’s youth as thugs to apologize and stop making such unfounded claims.
During a welcome reception at the Government House Makurdi, following his return from the United States of America, the governor emphasized the need to respect and appreciate the hard work of the young people in the state.
Alia expressed his disappointment towards the derogatory remarks aimed at the youth, stressing that it tarnishes the state’s reputation and undermines the efforts of its young population.
He urged individuals to refrain from using negative terms when referring to the youth and emphasized the importance of acknowledging their contributions towards the growth and development of Benue State.
Addressing the situation further, the governor highlighted the resilience and commitment of the youth in the state, emphasizing the need to support and uplift them rather than demean their efforts.
In his remarks, he commended the youth for their unwavering support and assured them that his administration is dedicated to charting a new course for the state’s progress.
Alia shared insights from his visit to the United States, where he engaged in discussions on addressing security challenges in Northern Nigeria, positioning Benue State on the international stage as a hub for development.
He emphasized the strategic role Benue plays in the region and expressed confidence that the state’s progress will serve as a model for others to follow.
The governor also mentioned Benue’s participation in dialogues organized by the United States Peace Institute, focusing on finding lasting solutions to security threats in the Northern states.