Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has cautioned youths against hate speech, misinformation, extremism and political violence as the nation heads into elections.

Mr Alia gave the charge on Thursday in Makurdi during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) officials in Benue.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, said politics must be about people, ideas and service, not an instrument for destroying society.

He urged them to make campaigns peaceful, issue-based and focused on achievements.

Mr Alia urged youths to participate actively in politics while upholding discipline, dignity, patriotism and democratic values.

The governor said the inauguration would create opportunities for youths to participate, lead and serve in governance and community development.

He said Benue, a predominantly youthful state, is blessed with talent, intelligence, enterprise and courage, but youths need opportunities, mentorship and platforms to contribute meaningfully.

Mr Alia assured that the state government would continue supporting education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employment, innovation, and meaningful youth participation in governance.

The governor charged the RHYE team to build an inclusive, grassroots-driven structure reaching every local government, town and village, including politically disillusioned youths.

He urged the team to give young people reasons to participate, hope, and believe their voices matter, while serving as a bridge between government and citizens.

Mr Alia commended Fidelis Unongo’s appointment as Benue RHYE coordinator, expressing confidence in his energy, organisational capacity and political understanding.

He charged the officials to earn public confidence through commitment, good conduct, results and service, stressing that political appointments were responsibilities rather than privileges.

Earlier, Mr Unongo urged youths to embrace the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Mr Alia, saying both administrations had created opportunities for youth participation.

He cited agricultural support, infrastructure projects, school construction and renovations, improved welfare, and Alia’s appointment of young people as commissioners and special advisers.

Abdulazeez Kaka, National Coordinator, RHYE, highlighted federal projects including the Buruku–Katsina-Ala Bridge, Wurukum Overhead Bridge and road projects in Makurdi.

Mr Kaka also cited youth-focused initiatives in education, digital skills, investment, entrepreneurship and innovation, urging young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities.

Lami Danladi, deputy speaker, Benue House of Assembly, commended Mr Alia for supporting women and youths.

Ms Danladi pledged women’s support for the group to succeed in its assignment.
Chief Benjamin Omale, Benue All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, described the inauguration as the right step in the right direction.

Mr Omale boasted of a stronger APC grassroots structure that would ensure the party’s success at the general election.

The party chairman urged APC members and the general public to collect their PVCs so they can vote for Messrs Tinubu and Alia.

In her goodwill message, Nafisat Buge, RHYE coordinator in Kwara, encouraged youths and women to believe in themselves.

She said young people could achieve their ambitions regardless of background.

(NAN)