Benue State Government has launched a $15 million Benue Creative Impact Fund (BCIF), an ambitious intervention aimed at empowering young people, deepening innovation, and creating over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state.
The fund was unveiled on Friday at the Government House, Makurdi, by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode.
Describing the initiative as a major milestone in his administration’s economic transformation agenda, Governor Alia said the BCIF would reposition Benue as a key player in Africa’s rapidly growing creative economy.
“This is a defining moment for our state. We are launching a bold and visionary programme that will empower our youth, stimulate economic growth, and position Benue among Africa’s next creative powerhouses,” the governor said.
Launched in partnership with Circuit, an African digital content distribution platform, the BCIF is designed to provide creatives with access to funding, studio spaces, training, mentorship, digital production tools, and global market opportunities.
Alia said the fund is projected to generate over 300,000 jobs, strengthen creative enterprises, and unlock opportunities for thousands of young talents across Benue State.
“Benue’s creativity is an economic asset. With the right support, our cultural identity; Tiv, Idoma, and Igede, can be projected globally while creating jobs and attracting investors,” he added.
He noted that the global creative industry had become a trillion-dollar contributor to GDP and one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors, stressing that the BCIF positions Benue to tap into this expanding economic space.
He also highlighted key groundwork already laid by his administration, including the establishment of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), ICT training for 23,000 youths across the state’s 23 local government areas, and the digital upskilling of 40,000 civil servants to improve public service delivery.
Other initiatives cited include the creation of the Bureau for Culture and Tourism, support for 30 entrepreneurs through the Benue Inventors and Entrepreneurs Exhibition, sponsorship of the Benue Men’s Fashion Week, and the establishment of the Benue Fashion Hub, all aimed at strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem.
“Our vision is to build systems that enable filmmakers, musicians, designers, digital creators, and storytellers to produce world-class content right here in Benue. This fund marks the beginning of a new era of creativity, innovation, and global influence,” Governor Alia said.
He disclosed that the BCIF has already attracted interest from private investors, corporate bodies, and development partners willing to participate in the state’s creative transformation.
“We are not just launching a fund. We are laying the foundation for a creative economy that will boost our GDP, empower our youth, and redefine Benue’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic future,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Circuits, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, described the Creative Impact Fund as a strategic tool for bridging development gaps at the sub-national level.
According to her, the fund is designed to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, expand opportunities for young people, and boost internally generated revenue for Benue State.
She assured that Circuits would ensure creatives in Benue gain access to digital tools, infrastructure, market linkages, and sustainable financing to compete globally.
Also speaking, Maria Etemore Glover, CEO of Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), alongside filmmaker Amina Atairu, described the BCIF as a model for strengthening creative economies at the state level.
The partnership agreement was signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, on behalf of the Benue State Government, and Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni for Circuits.
