BIPC Proposes Business Support Fund for Benue SMEs as Government Trains Over 14,000 Women and Youth in Entrepreneurship

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has announced that the company, in collaboration with the state government, is working on establishing a Business Fund aimed at supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially young entrepreneurs.

Dr. Asemakaha disclosed this during the grand finale of a statewide skills acquisition programme held at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, where over 5,580 youths completed various vocational training sessions organized under the directive of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia.

Participants from the 23 local government areas exhibited their proficiencies in painting, cosmetology, Ankara design, organic fertilizer production, makeup artistry, shoemaking, catering, and several other skills.

Describing the graduating youths as a “significant emerging market,” Asemakaha emphasized that enabling them to convert their skills into successful businesses would dramatically enhance Benue’s economic growth. He announced a seed grant of ₦1 million for each of the seven graduating groups—amounting to a total of ₦7 million—to support their entrepreneurial takeoff.

He also encouraged the state government to enact policies that promote business development and expand market access for young entrepreneurs, noting that such measures would strengthen SME growth across Benue.

Asemakaha stressed the need for greater human capital development, urging a shift from theoretical learning to hands-on business education. With the state’s population steadily increasing, he said practical entrepreneurship training is essential for increasing Benue’s GDP and positioning the state as a hub for innovative small businesses.

He added that as these newly trained youths set up their ventures, they would not only become self-reliant but also create job opportunities for others, thereby addressing idleness and reducing insecurity.

Commending Governor Alia for prioritizing youth empowerment, he called for continuous investment in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes as key drivers of economic transformation.

He further advised Benue youths to pursue education while also prioritizing business ventures that can enhance their economic independence.

The Principal Senior Assistant (PSA) to the Governor on Protocol and Wardrobe, Emmanuel Iorbee, revealed that Governor Alia instructed him to “go and make it happen,” resulting in the training of over 14,000 women and youths in entrepreneurial skills. He noted that about 6,000 of those beneficiaries in Makurdi Local Government Area were graduating at the event and would soon be supported to establish themselves.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Youth Organizations and Illegal Levies, Mr. Terver Gbenda, stated that his office sponsored the training of the 6,000 women and youths who graduated. He expressed satisfaction that the initiative has taken many young people off the streets and provided them with skills that require minimal capital to begin their own businesses.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglegba, who chaired the event, encouraged the graduands to take their businesses seriously and work diligently, reminding them that the skills they have acquired are lifelong assets. He also reaffirmed the government’s readiness to support them and unveiled products created by the trainees worth ₦5 million.

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Dorathy Akpen from the makeup department thanked Governor Alia, the facilitators, and the organizers for equipping them with skills. She pledged that with the support received, they are prepared to begin their entrepreneurial journey.