Benue State has launched the first phase of its International Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment Programme in Belarus as part of efforts to equip young people with globally competitive vocational and technical skills.
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The initiative, introduced by Governor Hyacinth Alia and implemented in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), is currently taking place at the Republican Institute for Vocational Studies (RIPO) in Belarus, where selected participants have begun intensive artisanal and vocational training, Nigeria Startup News (NSN) reports.
The programme combines classroom learning with practical hands-on experience, with focus areas covering infrastructural development and several technical disciplines aimed at improving employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for youths in Benue State.
According to the state government, the training is designed to expose participants to modern digital and technical knowledge needed to compete in the global labour market while also promoting innovation and self-reliance.
Officials noted that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy on human capital development, with strong emphasis placed on industry-relevant certification and international exposure.
Governor Alia also revealed plans to expand the programme into the agricultural and automotive sectors in future phases, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in youth empowerment and economic development.
The Benue delegation was led by the Director General of the Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Benita Shuluwa, who was formally received by officials of RIPO ahead of the commencement of training activities.
Both the Benue State Government and RIPO expressed optimism about deepening their collaboration, with ongoing discussions focused on extending the programme to additional Centres of Excellence within the Belarusian institute.
The development is expected to create new opportunities for skills acquisition, innovation, and international exposure for youths across Benue State.
