Alia Reaffirms Commitment To Skills Development, Welcomes First Batch Of Belarus-Trained Youths
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to human capital development, saying the government will continue to invest in skills acquisition programmes aimed at producing a globally competitive workforce, reducing unemployment and accelerating industrial growth across the state.
Governor Alia made the declaration on Saturday during a reception for the first batch of beneficiaries of the Benue-Belarus International Vocational Training Programme, who recently returned after completing a two-month intensive vocational and technical training at the Republican Institute for Vocational Education (RIPO) in Minsk, Belarus.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, at the Government House in Makurdi, the governor described the successful completion of the programme by the pioneer trainees as another milestone in his administration's drive to equip Benue youths with internationally recognised vocational skills capable of transforming them into entrepreneurs, innovators and employers of labour.
He explained that the Benue-Belarus International Vocational Training Programme, inaugurated on October 6, 2025, by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, was designed as a collaborative initiative to expose Nigerian youths to world-class technical and vocational education through specialised training at RIPO.
According to Governor Alia, the state government approved the full sponsorship of 40 Benue youths under the programme, with the first 12 emerging as pioneer beneficiaries, reflecting the administration's commitment to youth empowerment, economic diversification, entrepreneurship development and sustainable job creation.
The pioneer beneficiaries are Terkimbi Ternenge, Lumunga Enoch Chiater, Anakaa Sesugh Nelson, Akor Mathias Simon, Ede Igbe Isaac, Sev Joseph Terngu, Oketa Aikwucheyi Christopher, Amor Terkura Victor, Ishor Terhide Joseph, Ayohol Orsaa Paul, Amase Akaazua Thomas and Ebe David Lasisa.
Governor Alia commended the beneficiaries for their discipline, resilience and exemplary conduct throughout the training, revealing that reports from the management of RIPO ranked the Benue delegation among the institution's most disciplined and outstanding international trainees.
He assured the graduates that the knowledge and technical expertise acquired abroad would be effectively utilised through their integration into ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the state.
The governor also disclosed that he had directed the Benue State Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation (BEWC) to work with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to facilitate job placements, provide business support and ensure the successful implementation of the remaining batches of the international vocational training programme.
He further announced that arrangements had reached an advanced stage for a special empowerment ceremony during which the beneficiaries would receive their certificates, empowerment cheques and work tools to enable them establish sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the state's economy.
Governor Alia also called on Novus Microfinance Bank and other financial institutions to prioritise the graduates in accessing business financing, while urging the private sector to partner with the state government in creating employment opportunities that would maximise the skills acquired by the beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Benue State Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation (BEWC), Ms. Benita Shuluwa, described the programme as a strategic investment in the future of Benue youths and a practical demonstration of Governor Alia's vision of building a skilled workforce capable of driving industrialisation and inclusive economic development.
She noted that the participants underwent intensive theoretical and practical training in modern construction technologies, engineering and international best practices, equipping them with the technical competence required to compete in the global labour market and contribute to Benue State's economic transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mr. Anakaa Sesugh Nelson expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for investing in the future of Benue youths through the international training initiative.
He said the participants acquired extensive knowledge in modern construction technologies and engineering practices and assured the government of their readiness to deploy the skills in support of Benue's urban renewal and infrastructure development agenda.
Nelson appealed to the government to engage the returning trainees in ongoing construction and development projects across the state to ensure that the expertise acquired in Belarus is effectively harnessed for the benefit of the people.
