Benue GDP hits N12.8bn as over 5,580 graduate from skill training.

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

Benue State Government has revealed that the state's Gross Domestic Product, GDP has increased by N12.8 trillion.

The Group Managing Director, Benue Investment and Property Company, (BIPC),  Dr Raymond Asemakaha disclosed this at the grand finale of a state-wide skills acquisition programme held at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi at the weekend.

He stated that over 5,580 youths graduated from various vocational training which was organized by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Dr. Asemakaha announced that the company in collaboration with the state government is poised to establish a Business Fund to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly for youths venturing into entrepreneurship.

"On assumption of office, the State was on the negative growth of 3.5 percent but has leapt to 12.8 trillion. 

"Plans are underway to domesticate the Start-up law in the State.  A bill will be sent to the house next week. 

"The major problem we identified as a challenge to growth of business is the lack of seed capital. As population grows, it is time to bring ideas to mitigate and grow the economy" . 

"The graduating youths were drawn for the 23 local government areas of the State and  were trained in painting, cosmetology, Ankara design, organic fertilizer production, makeup artistry, shoemaking, catering and other skill areas as a “significant emerging market", he said.

While announcing a ₦1 million seed grant to each of the seven graduating groups, totalling ₦7 million, to help kick-start their entrepreneurial journeys, the GMD noted that empowering them to transform their skills into thriving businesses would stimulate economic growth. 

He therefore urged the state government to enact business-friendly laws that would grant young entrepreneurs access to larger markets and strengthen SME development across Benue.

"Benue must prioritize human capital investment by shifting from purely theoretical education to practical business training, especially as the state’s population continues to rise. Such an approach is critical to boosting the state’s GDP and positioning Benue as a hub for innovative small enterprises.

"As the newly trained youths establish their businesses, they will not only create opportunities for themselves but also become employers of labour thereby reducing insecurity by addressing the root causes linked to idleness.

"I want to use this opportunity to thank Governor Alia for championing youth empowerment initiatives and called for sustained investment in vocational and entrepreneurial programmes to drive Benue’s economic transformation.

The beneficiaries of skill acquisition showcased their expertise during the event which was organized by the office of Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol and wardrobe Hon Emmanuel Iorbee, PSA and supported by Hon Terver Gbenda Senior Special Assistant on Youth Organizations and Illegal Levies.

Over 14,942 youths and women benefited from the program with 6000 from Makurdi alone.