By Emmanuel Antswen
The Benue chapter of the United States (U.S.) Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), on Tuesday organised its maiden Leadership Summit.
The summit, held at the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi had more than 400 participants in attendance.
Speaking, Dr Terese Akpem, leader of alumni in Benue, said that the summit was designed to create access to global opportunities.
He added that the event was also oraganised to nurture ethical leaders capable of driving positive change in Benue and beyond.
“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.
Akpem commended participants for the impressive turnout and urged them to apply the knowledge acquired from the summit into positive ventures.
In a keynote address, Mr Suunen Atsuwe, the Executive Director of DevTrain, 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 News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that 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.
Other participants at the event were development professionals, policymakers and alumni of various U.S. exchange programmes. NAN
