BIPC Empowers IDPs, Refugees with Business Training, Graduates Six Interns

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has graduated its first batch of six Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees under its newly introduced Business Model initiative designed to equip displaced persons with entrepreneurial skills and sustainable economic support.

The graduation ceremony, held at the company’s headquarters in Makurdi, was described by the management as “a milestone in empowering displaced persons to achieve economic independence.”

Speaking at the event, BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, congratulated the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the initiative, developed in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), seeks to create sustainable livelihoods.

“Today marks a significant step in our mission to bring hope to IDPs. This programme has equipped you with valuable knowledge and business skills so that you no longer depend solely on NGOs and UN agencies. We are not just giving cash and food; we are creating opportunities for self-reliance,” he stated.

Each of the six graduates received a cheque of ₦250,000 to support the establishment of small-scale businesses.

Asemakaha also expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for approving the scheme and assured that more IDPs would be included in future batches.

In her remarks, UNHCR Head of Sub-Office, Naomi Yerima, praised the Benue State Government for strengthening BIPC through visionary leadership. She also commended the graduates for proving that “displacement does not define their potentials,” encouraging them to use their new skills to pursue their dreams.

Other BIPC officials present—including Company Secretary, Josephat Ioryoosu Esq.; Head of Business Development and Strategy, Theresa Abeda; Chief Operating Officer of BIPC Bread, Charles Gber; and Chief Baker, Samuel Agoho—also applauded the resilience and determination of the trainees.

Among the beneficiaries, Oyah Comfort, a Cameroonian refugee, expressed gratitude to BIPC and pledged to share the skills acquired with fellow refugees. Similarly, Anyiman Blessing and Gabriel Terseer thanked the company for providing them with the knowledge and opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency.