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In a groundbreaking move to combat unemployment and foster global opportunities for Nigerians, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Benue State Government and other key partners, has facilitated the deployment of 39 skilled artisans from Benue State to Belarus. This initiative, a first of its kind, is part of an international job placement program designed to provide decent employment opportunities abroad while promoting safe and orderly labor migration.
The send-off ceremony, held in Abuja, was a moment of pride and celebration, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to empower its workforce. The program is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Benue State Government, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship & Wealth Creation, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd (EBNC). This partnership underscores the government’s commitment to reducing unemployment and equipping Nigerian professionals with global skills and exposure.
A Vision for Global Competitiveness
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, emphasized the broader significance of the initiative. “This ceremony is more than a send-off; it affirms our shared resolve to build a labour ecosystem that allows Nigerians not just to work, but to excel wherever opportunities arise,” she said. The Minister highlighted the importance of international partnerships in promoting knowledge transfer, technology exchange, and exposure to global best practices, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global labor market.
Onyejeocha urged the artisans to uphold professionalism and integrity, charging them to honor their contracts and serve as proud ambassadors of Nigeria. “Let your professionalism and integrity speak loudly, and let your excellence tell the Nigerian story of resilience and skill,” she added, encouraging the artisans to ensure their success abroad contributes to growth back home.
A Pathway to Decent Jobs and Skill Transfer
The Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara, provided insight into the program’s origins, noting that it began in 2019 with a focus on linking skilled Nigerians to opportunities in Belarus’ construction sector. Beyond providing decent jobs, the initiative facilitates the transfer of technology and skills, which participants can bring back to Nigeria to enhance local capacity.
Agara commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his swift support in sponsoring the 39 artisans, describing the initiative as a viable alternative to irregular migration. “We are collectively declaring that young Nigerians no longer need to risk the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. All they need now are skills,” Agara stated. He urged the artisans to abide by their contractual obligations and represent Nigeria with distinction, expressing hope that they would become “change agents for the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Economic Impact and Support for Families
The CEO of Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd (EBNC), Mr. Charles Adzo, highlighted the economic benefits of the program, both for the artisans’ families and the broader Benue community. Each artisan will remit N300,000 monthly to support their families back home, a significant contribution to the local economy. Additionally, an undisclosed amount will be directed to a revolving account managed by the Benue State Government, ensuring that other indigenes can benefit from similar opportunities in the future.
“This initiative is the beginning of greater opportunities,” Adzo noted. “The artisans will not only contribute to the growth of the Belarusian economy but also to the Nigerian economy. Their contributions to their families and the revolving account will foster sustainable development in Benue State.”
A Step Toward a Brighter Future
The deployment of these 39 artisans marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to create sustainable employment opportunities and reduce irregular migration. By equipping skilled professionals with global opportunities, the program not only enhances their livelihoods but also strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global labor market. The artisans, who are set to make their mark in Belarus, carry with them the hopes of their families, communities, and nation.
As Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration continues to champion initiatives that empower Benue’s youth, this program serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and vision in creating pathways to prosperity. The artisans were celebrated not only for their skills but also for their commitment to contributing to their home state’s development, proving that success abroad can indeed translate into growth at home.
