Benue’s Creative Giants Salute Alia, Celebrate Gbenda’s Elevation

A Night of Applause, Gratitude & Purpose: Benue’s Stars Celebrate Hon. Gbenda Terver and Salute Governor Alia’s Youth-First Vision

In a rare and inspiring display of unity, creativity, and heartfelt appreciation, Benue State’s entertainment industry,a vibrant community of actors, comedians, musicians, and content creators gathered for an unforgettable evening to celebrate a man they proudly call their own: Hon. Gbenda Terver, The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Organization and Illegal Levies, and now, the officially recognized Leader of Benue Youth.

The atmosphere inside the ultra-modern ALGON House in Makurdi on June 13th, 2025, was electric. Lights, laughter, and local pride filled the air as some of Benue’s brightest talents from Omo Benue to Baba Yev, Igboji to Karen Martinz, EFiona Agaa to Egyptian Cairo to JTwarrior;took the stage not just to entertain, but to honor leadership, humility, and vision.

At the center of the celebration stood two figures whose bond has already started reshaping Benue’s future: Hon. Gbenda Terver and His Excellency, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State. Their story, one of trust, elevation, and public service is one that resonated deeply with every guest in attendance.

Leadership in Benue today is personal, present, and people-centered. The entertainers didn’t hold back in their appreciation, describing the Governor as “a leader who listens, who shows up, and who leads with humility.”

They hailed his decision to elevate Hon. Gbenda Terver as not only strategic, but symbolic:a sign that Benue’s youth have a seat at the table, not just in theory, but in active governance. As SSA, Hon. Gbenda has already proven himself as a dynamic, hands-on, and proactive leader, confronting challenges around illegal levies and youth mobilization with uncommon dedication.

But this celebration wasn’t just about titles! It was about affirming identity and responsibility. When Hon. Gbenda took the microphone, his words carried weight and warmth. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for believing in him, and to the entertainers for standing by him. “This moment is bigger than me,” he said. “It belongs to every young person in Benue who dares to dream of leadership, service, and purpose.”

Hon. Gbenda further emphasized that the support from the entertainment industry was more than just applause, it was a call to action. He promised to serve with integrity and to be a true voice for the youth, aligning his office’s work with the developmental strides of the Alia-led administration, which he noted has prioritized youth like never before in Benue’s history.

He pointed to verifiable projects, Employment and youth-focused initiatives already underway, adding that Governor Alia has not only opened the door to the youth—but has welcomed them in with responsibility, trust, and opportunity.

The night ended not with farewells, but with renewed commitment. The entertainers and youth leaders pledged their continued support for both Hon. Gbenda and Governor Alia, recognizing that the path to a better Benue begins with collective action and authentic leadership.

Among those who stood proudly by Hon. Gbenda’s side were Hon. Orpin Clement (Makurdi APC Youth Leader), Hon. Jato James, Hon. Pius Iorwuese, Hon. Paul Agbaja (former APC Zonal Youth Leader), and members of the Benue State Taskforce on Illegal Levies—all of whom echoed the sentiment that this is a defining moment for Benue Youth.