Akwanga, Nasarawa State – The Middle Belt Ethnic Youth Leaders Assembly (MBEYLA), the youth wing of the Middle Belt Forum comprising presidents of all ethnic youth bodies across the region, has announced Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N) as its new Acting President General following the death of its former President, Andy Anzaah who also served as National President of the Tiv Youth Organization.
The official presentation of the certificate of office was conducted today at the Chun Mada Palace in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, marking a significant transition for the umbrella body representing Middle Belt youth across 15 states.
Amb. Nyantau, who previously served as Vice President of the Assembly, was formally decorated in the presence of the National President of Gbagyi Youth Worldwide, Comr. Williams Ojigi Emmanuel, and the National President of Mada Youth and Ag President IEYLN, Comr Augustine Mwanda Gyobe among other officials.
The revered Chun Mada, HRH Pastor Samson Gamu Yare, one of the patrons of the Youth Assembly who received the delegation at his palace, congratulated the new Acting President General and charged him to work tirelessly to unite youth across the Middle Belt, describing them as “the strength and heartbeat of a region too often marginalized in the Nigerian federation.”
According to the monarch, the Middle Belt remains a critical pillar of Nigeria but continues to suffer political marginalization and severe security challenges. He emphasized that the only path to strength is unity, urging the youth leadership to speak with one voice, defend their land, and champion the aspirations of millions.
Amb. Nyantau, in his remarks, pledged to lead with integrity, inclusiveness, and unwavering commitment to a renewed regional vision. He vowed to work collaboratively with the Assembly’s EXCO and 15 state coordinators to “change the narratives of the Middle Belt,” which he described as “the fulcrum of Nigeria.”
He thereafter delivered his official acceptance speech
Acceptance Speech Of Amb. Miri Timnan Nyantau (M.T.N), Acting President General, Middle Belt Ethnic Youth Leaders Assembly (MBEYLA), Delivered at the Chun Mada Palace, Akwanga, titled: “Today, We Choose Cooperation Over Rivalry, Commitment Over Complacency, and Meaningful Action Over Empty Rhetoric.”
Revered Chun Mada, HRH Pastor Samuel Gamu Yare, distinguished elders, colleagues, and the young men and women of the Middle Belt ethnic nationalities,
I am deeply aware of the responsibility you have entrusted to me. Accepting the role of Acting President of the Middle Belt Ethnic Youth Leaders Assembly, MBEYLA, is not simply about occupying an office, it’s about answering a call to serve at a moment when our region needs clarity, unity, and steady leadership.
The Middle Belt is a land blessed with diversity, courage, and countless stories of people who have stood firm even when misunderstood or overlooked. Yet we cannot deny that our strength has often been weakened by internal cracks and needless divisions. Today, we put those patterns behind us.
Today, we choose cooperation over rivalry, commitment over complacency, and meaningful action over empty rhetoric.
My approach to this office is straightforward:
– Listen attentively.
– Act decisively.
– Lead with integrity.
– Carry everyone along.
Under this leadership, MBEYLA will not merely issue statements, we will build structures, create opportunities for our youths, speak boldly when it matters, and foster dialogue where healing is needed. Our communities deserve an Assembly that is alive, active, and driven by purpose, not noise.
To every state and tribe in the Middle Belt, I give you my word: no voice will be discarded, and no youth will be pushed aside. We will promote ideas that lift our people, challenge attitudes that break us, and partner with stakeholders who are committed to genuine progress.
Let this moment mark a new chapter, a chapter where the Middle Belt Youth stand with one mind, one direction, and one clear intention: to secure a future we can proudly hand over to the next generation.
Thank you for trusting me with this task. Together, we will build something enduring, something grounded, and something worthy of the Middle Belt name.
