14/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 14th August, 2026
BEMSA NATIONAL COMMENDS BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR EXEMPLARY 2026 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION
The Benue State Medical and Dental Students Association, BEMSA National, under the leadership of Comr. Solomon Sough Aondowase National President, extends its heartfelt commendation to the Benue State Government, youth leadership, and all stakeholders for the successful hosting of the 2026 International Youth Day activities.
BEMSA National specifically acknowledges His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, Deputy Governor of the state, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Serumum Deborah Aber for their sustained investment in youth-focused policies and inclusive governance.
We also recognize the strategic coordination by Dr. Philip Terwase Nongu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity; Hon. Terver Gbenda, Benue State Youth Leader and Chairman, Central Planning Committee; and members of the CPC for delivering a well-organized, impactful program.
The Highlights of this Year's International Youth Day Celebration
The two-day commemoration commenced on 11th August 2026 with a Youth Summit held at the Gov. Alia Conference Hall in SEMA that culminated into a stakeholders engagement between government officials, stakeholders, local and international partners of Youth Development followed by a novelty football match at the Makati Stadium between Lobi Stars and IDP Team, 4pm same day.
The Day 2 began with the grandfinale of the event which took place at the IBB Square and subsequently came to an end with a Dinner party at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
The events convened youth leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, trade groups, and government functionaries to deliberate on this year’s global theme: “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”
Key outcomes included during this year's International Youth Day Celebration include;
1 Policy Milestone: The official unveiling of the Benue State Youth Policy 2025–2030, a 5-year roadmap designed to address youth health, education, employment, skills acquisition, and participation in governance.
2.Mentorship & Dialogue: Panel sessions focused on entrepreneurship, health, civic responsibility, and the role of young professionals in nation building.
3.Call to Action: Speakers urged Benue youths to leverage digital skills, agribusiness, and vocational training as vehicles for self-reliance and economic growth.
Government’s Commitment to Youth Inclusion
BEMSA National lauds the Alia-led administration for demonstrating measurable commitment to youth inclusion. The administration spotlighted and presented awards of excellence to young leaders currently serving the state in strategic roles, including: Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga; Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly. Hon. Vitalis Neji; Chairman, ALGON Benue State Chapter, Hon. Raymond Asemakaha; Managing Director, Benue State Investment and Property Company, BIPC, Hon. Terver Gbenda; Benue State Youth Leader. These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to harness youthful energy, innovation, and expertise in public service delivery.
BEMSA’s POSITION
As the umbrella body for Medical and Dental students of Benue origin, BEMSA National reaffirms its commitment to youth health advocacy, leadership development, professionalism, and community service. We believe healthy, skilled, and engaged young people are central to achieving a resilient and prosperous Benue.
We therefore urge Benue youths to embrace peace, patriotism, responsible citizenship, and constructive engagement. We also call on young people to reject violence, drug abuse, and divisive politics, and instead champion unity and sustainable development.
BEMSA National congratulates the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity, the State Youth Leader Hon. Terver Gbenda, Dr. Philip Terwase Nongu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity,
and the Central Planning Committee for setting a new standard for youth engagement in the state.
We look forward to continued partnership with the Benue State Government to advance youth health, education, and empowerment.
Signed,
Comr. Igbakaa Aondowase Samson
National PRO1
For:
Comr. Solomon Sough Aondowase
National President, BEMSA National
14th August, 2026
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