The announcement came on Saturday, 29th November 2025, during the colourful grand finale of the state’s vocational skills acquisition programme at Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. The event marked a major milestone for youth development as more than 5,580 young people from all 23 local government areas completed months of hands-on training across a wide range of income-generating trades. Their demonstrations in painting, cosmetology, Ankara fashion design, organic fertilizer production, makeup artistry, shoemaking, catering and several other technical skills reflected a new direction in the state’s approach to economic empowerment.
During the ceremony, the leadership of the state’s investment and property corporation said the graduating youths now represent an emerging economic force with the potential to reshape grassroots commerce if properly supported. The organisation confirmed that it will inject one million naira in seed capital into each of the seven pioneering groups that completed the programme. The seven million naira support is designed to help the new entrepreneurs begin operations immediately and avoid the funding gaps that often hinder promising small businesses from taking off.
The corporation encouraged the state government to strengthen business-friendly policies that expand access to markets, reduce entry barriers, and stimulate the growth of small enterprises across Benue. It explained that the state must shift from heavy reliance on theory-based education toward practical, enterprise-focused training that can absorb a rapidly growing youth population while adding real value to the local economy.
According to the corporation, supporting these young entrepreneurs will not only create thousands of direct and indirect jobs but also reduce insecurity by addressing the economic frustrations that frequently push youths toward risky paths. It stressed that continuous investment in vocational and entrepreneurial development should form the backbone of Benue’s long-term economic agenda.
The organisation also praised the state government for prioritising youth empowerment and urged sustained commitment to initiatives that help young people acquire skills, gain confidence, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. With new tools, certificates, and now seed funding, thousands of young residents are stepping into a fresh phase of self-reliance.
The message from Makurdi is unmistakable. Benue is building a future defined by young entrepreneurs who will not wait for jobs but create them, strengthening the MSME landscape and widening the state’s economic foundation in the years ahead.
