Benue Youth Explore Global Opportunities at U.S. Summit

By Dooshima Terkura in Makurdi

The Benue Chapter of the United States (U.S.) Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN) has held its maiden Leadership Summit, aimed at nurturing ethical leaders capable of driving positive change in Benue State and beyond.

The summit, held at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), attracted more than 400 participants drawn from different sectors.
Leader of the alumni in Benue, Dr. Terese Akpem, said the summit was designed to provide access to global opportunities while cultivating ethical leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the development of Benue and the nation.
According to Akpem, the summit will expose young people to a broad range of academic, leadership and professional exchange opportunities available through U.S. exchange programmes.
He added that the initiative is expected to grow into Benue’s flagship platform for promoting international exchange opportunities, leadership development and youth empowerment. Akpem also commended participants for the impressive turnout and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to positive and impactful ventures.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director of DevTrain, Mr. Suunen Atsuwe, urged participants to embrace innovation, leadership and lifelong learning as key drivers of sustainable national development.
Also speaking, Mr. Kengkeng Ati, a 2015 Mandela Washington Fellow, highlighted more than 26 U.S. exchange programmes, providing practical guidance on eligibility requirements, application processes and strategies for securing international educational and professional exchange opportunities.
The summit featured a panel discussion with accomplished U.S. exchange alumni, career development sessions facilitated by the Jobberman team, as well as entrepreneurship and employability masterclasses.

As part of activities marking the 250th Independence Anniversary of the United States, participants also attended a session on the country’s history.
The association also inaugurated the Benue Opportunities Hub, a platform designed to promote mentorship, collaboration, information sharing and sustained access to global opportunities.
Participants at the summit included students, National Youth Service Corps members, entrepreneurs, public servants, educators, development professionals, policymakers and alumni of various U.S. exchange programmes.