Benue: U.S. alumni holds maiden leadership summit

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue chapter of the United States (U.S.) Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), has organised its maiden Leadership Summit with a focus to nurture ethical leaders capable of driving positive change in Benue State and beyond.

The summit, which held at the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM) had more than 400 participants in attendance.

Leader of alumni in Benue, Dr Terese Akpem, said the summit was designed to create access to global opportunities and cultivate ethical leaders who can drive positive change in Benue and beyond.

Akpem said “This summit will also expose young people to a wide range of academic, leadership and professional exchange opportunities that are available through U.S. exchange programmes.

“It will evolve into Benue’s flagship platform for promoting international exchange opportunities, leadership development and youth empowerment,”he said.

He commended participants for the impressive turnout and urged them to apply the knowledge acquired from the summit into positive ventures.

In a keynote address, the Executive Director of DevTrain, Mr Suunen Atsuwe, urged participants to embrace innovation, leadership and lifelong learning as essential drivers of sustainable national development.

Mr Kengkeng Ati, a 2015 Mandela Washington Fellow, gave a brief highlight on more than 26 U.S. exchange programmes.

Ati provided participants with practical guidance on eligibility, 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.

Also, in commemoration of the 250th independence anniversary of the U.S., the summit also featured a session on its history.

During the summit, the association also inaugurated the Benue Opportunities Hub, a platform aimed at fostering mentorship, collaboration, information sharing and continued access to global opportunities.

Participants at the event included, students, youth corps members, entrepreneurs, public servants and educators as well as development professionals, policymakers and alumni of various U.S. exchange programmes.