Over 5,580 youths in Benue State have officially graduated from a state-wide vocational training programme designed to support young people interested in building sustainable careers. The graduation ceremony took place at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, where participants from all 23 local government areas showcased skills in areas such as painting, cosmetology, Ankara design, organic fertilizer production, makeup artistry, shoemaking, catering and other trades.
The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha-CFA, described the large number of beneficiaries as a major step toward strengthening the state’s economy. He referred to the graduating youths as a “significant emerging market,” noting that their newly acquired skills would help them build businesses that can grow over time.
At the event, he announced a ₦1 million seed grant for each of the seven graduating groups, totalling ₦7 million. He explained that the grant is meant to help kick-start their entrepreneurial journeys and give them the support needed to begin small but sustainable ventures. This announcement formed one of the key highlights of the ceremony.
Dr. Asemakaha also revealed that BIPC, in partnership with the state government, is preparing to establish a Business Fund aimed at supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, especially those led by young entrepreneurs. He said the initiative will focus on helping youths who are ready to turn their vocational skills into real businesses.
He encouraged the government to introduce policies that would make it easier for young business owners to operate and access bigger markets. According to him, Benue needs to place more value on human capital by moving away from purely theoretical learning to practical business education. He explained that such a shift is important as the state’s population continues to grow and as the demand for jobs increases.
Dr. Asemakaha added that when the trained youths begin establishing their ventures, they will not only create jobs for themselves but also become employers of labour, which can reduce insecurity by addressing issues linked to idleness. He praised Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for supporting youth empowerment and encouraged continued investment in programmes that promote vocational and entrepreneurial growth across the state.
