By Chris Agabi
History was made in Benue State as the Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia inaugurated the cohort of United Nations Volunteers (UNVs).
This landmark initiative—the first of its kind in Africa—highlights Benue’s commitment to global partnerships, youth empowerment, and sustainable development as part of the United Nations Volunteers’ Full Funding (FF) Partnership.
The event drew high-level attendance, with Raashid Riza, Partnerships Development Specialist from the UN Volunteers’ External Relations and Communications Section, and Veronica Obiuwvebe, the UNV Country Coordinator, who officially handed over the chosen UNV candidates to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dcsn Barr. Serumun Deborah Aber, a statement by Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Viashima, Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), said.
The statement indicated that the newly presented cohort includes Ubibi Godwin, Rebecca Akough, Victor Ochayi Orih, Elvis Owoicho, Hembafan Felicity Utange, Angela Galu, and Anthony Francis, with one remaining role to be filled.
He said this presentation affirms Benue’s pioneering role in global volunteerism and international development under Governor Alia’s visionary leadership.
Representing the Governor, SSG Aber celebrated the rigorous and transparent selection process, expressing strong confidence in the cohort’s potential to represent Benue State on the world stage with distinction. She hailed this accomplishment as a groundbreaking milestone that exemplifies Benue’s commitment to developing international talent and fostering leadership that resonates globally.
Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Viashima, Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), praised the UNV Program as a “transformative achievement” for Benue State, underscoring its diversity and inclusivity. “This success paves the way for Benue’s engagement in other global initiatives, like the Jubilee Fellowship, positioning our state as a frontrunner in human capital development,” he remarked.
The Director General of Planning highlighted the program’s sustainable impact, noting that the resources devoted to the UNV Program will drive long-term human capital growth, empowering future generations in Benue.
Raashid Riza commended the selected volunteers for the critical roles they will undertake in advancing beneficial policies for Benue State. He also outlined the UN’s Special Voluntary Fund, which supports inclusive programming, crisis response, and data system strengthening. Riza emphasized that Benue’s involvement with this fund will enhance its global presence and amplify the state’s role in UN volunteer initiatives.
Each UN Volunteer shared their aspirations, reflecting Governor Alia’s vision of a collaborative, innovative Benue State. The Director General of the Peace Commission extended gratitude to all partners, specifically acknowledging DG Viashima’s dedication in bringing this transformative program to life.
In her closing remarks, SSG Aber charged the volunteers to embody Benue’s values of resilience, leadership, and service as true ambassadors of the state. She extended deep appreciation to all stakeholders and reaffirmed Governor Alia’s unwavering commitment to international collaboration, a commitment that has elevated Benue State to the forefront of global volunteerism.
Today’s ceremony marks a historic achievement for Benue State, setting a benchmark for states and nations worldwide. Through this transformative initiative, Benue has firmly established itself as a leader in volunteerism, human capital development, and international engagement, showcasing the power of visionary leadership in achieving a global impact.
Representing the Governor, SSG Aber celebrated the rigorous and transparent selection process, expressing strong confidence in the cohort’s potential to represent Benue State on the world stage with distinction. She hailed this accomplishment as a groundbreaking milestone that exemplifies Benue’s commitment to developing international talent and fostering leadership that resonates globally.
Aondoaseer Leo-Angelo Viashima, Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), praised the UNV Program as a “transformative achievement” for Benue State, underscoring its diversity and inclusivity. “This success paves the way for Benue’s engagement in other global initiatives, like the Jubilee Fellowship, positioning our state as a frontrunner in human capital development,” he remarked.
Prof. Andohol Jerome, Director General of Planning commission, highlighted the program’s sustainable impact, noting that the resources devoted to the UNV Program will drive long-term human capital growth, empowering future generations in Benue.
Raashid Riza commended the selected volunteers for the critical roles they will undertake in advancing beneficial policies for Benue State. He also outlined the UN’s Special Voluntary Fund, which supports inclusive programming, crisis response, and data system strengthening. Riza emphasized that Benue’s involvement with this fund will enhance its global presence and amplify the state’s role in UN volunteer initiatives.
Each UN Volunteer shared their aspirations, reflecting Governor Alia’s vision of a collaborative, innovative Benue State. Josephine Habba, Director General of the Peace Commission, extended gratitude to all partners, specifically acknowledging DG Viashima’s dedication in bringing this transformative program to life.
In her closing remarks, SSG Aber charged the volunteers to embody Benue’s values of resilience, leadership, and service as true ambassadors of the state. She extended deep appreciation to all stakeholders and reaffirmed Governor Alia’s unwavering commitment to international collaboration, a commitment that has elevated Benue State to the forefront of global volunteerism.
Today’s ceremony marks a historic achievement for Benue State, setting a benchmark for states and nations worldwide. Through this transformative initiative, Benue has firmly established itself as a leader in volunteerism, human capital development, and international engagement, showcasing the power of visionary leadership in achieving a global impact.
