EndSARS protest: Benue to establish youth development commission

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has said that his administration will consider the proposed establishment of a Youth Development Commission in the state.

The governor, who made the commitment at the closing ceremony of the three-day Benue Youth Summit held in Makurdi, said the idea of a commission to focus on youths affairs was timely and appropriate, giving assurance that the State Executive Council would look into the proposal and work out modalities for its implementation.

He observed that both government and youth have a role to play in taking the state to greater heights.

“I want to assure you that henceforth, the youth will be involved in all that we do. The youth, especially, arising from what has been presented at this summit, have shown that if they are given responsibility, they will succeed,” the governor said.

Ortom said he was encouraged to do more, having listened to the demands by the youth.

He indicated that the State Executive and Security Council would meet with the Chairman of the summit’s steering committee and sub-committee chairmen to properly look at the possibility of implementing the demands of the youths.

A communique was issued at the end of the summit which had among other things, the youths’ demand for the establishment of the Benue State Youth Development Commission; immediate formulation and implementation of a State Youth Development Policy; creation of enabling infrastructural environment for business; adoption of the disability bill in the state; prioritisation of education; establishment of Benue State Youth Trust Fund; dredging of River Benue; sustenance of youth summit and building of sports academies as well as recreational centres in all the senatorial districts of the state.

They further demanded the government to break the barriers against personnel promotions and advancement of civil servants and challenged youths to shun idleness, learn a skill, embrace agribusiness, cultivate patience, integrity, discipline and show preparedness for leadership.

The communique also encouraged youths to avoid social vices such as cultism, cybercrimes and political thuggery.