By Peter Duru, Makurdi

More than 5,580 young people across Benue State have graduated from a comprehensive vocational training programme initiated by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

Speaking at the grand finale of the programme held at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, the Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, announced that plans were underway to establish a dedicated Business Fund to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with special emphasis on youth-led ventures.

Dr. Asemakaha described the graduating trainees, drawn from all 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs of the state, as “a significant emerging market,” noting that their newly acquired skills represent a powerful tool for economic transformation.

“These youths have skills that can be converted into viable enterprises. Empowering them means accelerating economic growth and strengthening our production capacity as a state,” he said.

The graduates showcased competencies in painting, cosmetology, Ankara design, organic fertilizer production, makeup artistry, shoemaking, catering, and several other trades.

To support their transition into entrepreneurship, Dr. Asemakaha announced a N1million seed grant for each of the seven graduating groups, amounting to N7million in total.

“This seed funding will encourage their startup efforts and ease their entry into the business space,” he stated.

Dr. Asemakaha also urged the state government to introduce business-friendly legislation that would enhance market access and promote SME expansion across Benue.

He stressed the importance of sustained investment in human capital development, arguing that the state must shift from theoretical learning to practical business training in order to meet the needs of its growing population.

“If we must boost Benue’s GDP and position our state as a hub for innovative small-scale enterprises, we must continue to build a workforce equipped with practical skills,” he said.

Dr. Asemakaha noted that as the graduates establish their ventures, they would not only secure their own livelihoods but also create employment opportunities for others, helping reduce youth idleness and contributing to long-term security in the state.

While commending Governor Alia for prioritising youth empowerment, he called for continuous funding and expansion of vocational and entrepreneurship programmes to support Benue’s economic transformation agenda.