In the heartland of Benue, nestled within the resilient and industrious community of Kwande, a young boy named Annum Jethro Terhile once walked dusty school paths with dreams that stretched far beyond his rural beginnings.
Today, that boy has become Engineer Annum Jethro Terhile, MNSE, MNICE, a vocal and visionary leader at the forefront of Nigeria’s youth transformation agenda, serving as the President, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC.
At a youthful and vibrant age, Jethro’s story ican best be described as one of determination, discipline, and an unyielding passion for change. His rise from a small town in Benue to the national stage reflects not only personal tenacity but a deep commitment to empowering young Nigerians to rewrite the narratives of their communities, just as he did.
Annum’s professional background is as impressive as it is inspiring. Holding a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University), and a Master’s in Procurement Management from Nasarawa State University, he represents a new generation of leaders who blend technical expertise with governance acumen.
Beyond the classroom, he’s a registered and active member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) demonstrating that leadership must be built on competence.
Over the years, he has contributed to national infrastructure development through design, supervision, and contract management, while equally mentoring young professionals on effective project execution and ethical standards.
But his ambition never stopped at blueprints and concrete. Jethro saw a larger design, one where young people are at the center of national development.
As the in-coming President, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, Engineer Jethro Annum has taken his leadership from the boardroom to the grassroots. From Benue to Borno, Lagos to Lokoja, he is regarded as a passionate voice for youth inclusion, skills acquisition, and political literacy.
His leadership mantra is simple yet powerful: “Empower the youth, secure the future.” Through targeted outreach programs, mentorship schemes, and advocacy, he has built bridges across religious, ethnic, and socio-economic divides calling on Nigeria’s youth to take their rightful place in politics, enterprise, and innovation.
Under his tenure, NYC will launch several initiatives to encourage youth participation in governance and nation-building, and he remains a relentless advocate for policies that support education, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and professional development.
Jethro’s sense of purpose is deeply tied to his Tiv roots. His journey started in the classrooms of First Baptist Nursery/Primary School in Naka and continued through Mount Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School in Makurdi, where he first displayed leadership traits and academic brilliance. He often speaks of his early days with pride, emphasizing how his community’s struggles and aspirations shaped his worldview.
“I am a product of community strength. Kwande taught me that when you lift one, you lift all — and that’s the spirit I carry into national service,” he said.
Jethro is not just a leader; he is a reformer with conviction. In a political environment often clouded by cynicism, he stands out for his clear vision, professional competence, and authentic grassroots connection. Whether in policy discussions or youth town halls, he remains a bold voice demanding transformation not tomorrow, but today.
His growing influence in national discourse continues to earn him respect across party lines, even as he champions the APC’s agenda with charisma and clarity.
Engineer Annum Jethro Terhile’s story is still unfolding, but one thing is clear — he represents a hopeful future for Nigerian youth, rooted in excellence, equity, and enterprise.
From the quiet streets of Kwande to the bustling chambers of Nigeria’s capital, Jethro is proof that the journey of national transformation begins at home with vision, values, and an unwavering belief in the power of the Nigerian youth.
“I believe in a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of their background, has a voice, a skill, and a seat at the table,” he said.
In a bid to reposition NYC to be able to galvanise efforts towards Youth Digital Empowerment Initiative, the President-elect of the Nigerian Youth Congress, (NYC), Comr. Jethro Annum Terhile, paid a familiarization visits to so many distinguished personalities within the government and private sectors.
These meetings centered on youth empowerment through digital skill acquisition—a crucial step towards integrating young Nigerians into the fast-evolving digital economy.
Discussions explored the identification of skill gaps among young people in the North Central region, among other regions, and the urgent need to train and retrain them in key digital competencies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology, Coding, Web Design, Web Management, Fintech Innovation, and Mobile App Development.
The NYC President-elect emphasized that equipping young people with such modern skills will enable them to access remote job opportunities, generate revenue and foreign exchange, and compete effectively on the global stage.
These meetings were also marked by mutual understanding and a shared commitment towards advancing youth capacity development as a strategic tool for national growth.
Recall that Annum Jethro Thehile
President-elect, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, during his acceptance speech on July 31st, 2025, after being elected, described his election as “a call to action, a mandate to serve, and a responsibility to amplify the voices of millions of Nigerian youths who dream of a brighter, more prosperous future.”
According to him, My vision is clear: to positively engage every Nigerian youth through impactful government programs and innovative initiatives that unlock opportunities and drive progress.
“The Nigerian youth are the heartbeat of this nation—dynamic, innovative, and brimming with potential. Yet, we face challenges: unemployment, underemployment, limited opportunities, and a yearning for platforms to hone and showcase our talents. Today, I pledge to you that my leadership will be defined by action, not just words.
“While we recognise a slight decrease in youth unemployment from 8.00 % to 7.50% according to Trading Economics, this rate is still very unacceptable. This is in addition to the fact that youth underemployment which is equally inimical to youth development is over 10.00%.
“Our job is cut out for us. And that is to work closely and assiduously with government (at all tiers and arms), the private sector and development partners to turn the tide, significantly and fast. An unempowered youth is not only a minus but a danger and threat to the country. We must fix the problem by solving the Nigerian youth question.”
The President-elect, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, further explained that tackling youth unemployment head-on was at the core of his mandate as he will achieve that by collaborating with the government, private sector, and international partners with reputable development partners across the globe, to create sustainable programs that empower youths with skills, resources, and opportunities.
“From vocational training to entrepreneurship hubs; from tech innovation labs to agricultural empowerment projects; we will build pathways for every young Nigerian to thrive, making sure all youths are carried along irrespective of their tribes or religion.
“Our programs will not only create jobs but also nurture creators of jobs—because the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth.”
He made it clear that youths at all levels will be carried along in the implementation of his vision, geared towards youth development and empowerment.
“To the teeming Nigerian youths: this is your Congress. Your dreams, your struggles, and your aspirations will shape our journey. I promise an inclusive platform where your voices will be heard, your ideas will be valued, and your potential will be unleashed. Together, we will work to ensure government policies align with the needs of our youth, fostering an environment where innovation, creativity, and hard work are rewarded.
“To my fellow leaders, stakeholders, and partners, I extend a hand of collaboration. Let us unite in building a Nigeria where no youth is left behind, where every young person has the tools to succeed, and where our collective energy transforms challenges into opportunities.
*As I step into this role, I carry the weight of your trust and the fire of your dreams. Let us march forward together, with courage, unity, and determination, to build a Nigeria that reflects the brilliance of its youth. Thank you, and God bless the Nigerian Youth Congress. God bless Nigeria!”
Engr. Annum Jethro Thehile, the
President-elect, Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, is ready to serve, lead and move the Nigerian youth to a state of all-round fulfillment, across its 36 State Chapters, including FCT and the 774 LGAs chapter and 8,809 Council Wards in the Country.