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The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of its first batch of six Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees under its newly launched Business Model initiative. Held at the company’s corporate headquarters in Makurdi, the ceremony highlighted BIPC’s commitment to equipping displaced individuals with skills and economic support to foster independence.
Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Group Managing Director of BIPC and CFA, congratulated the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the initiative was developed in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide sustainable livelihood support. “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide hope to our IDPs. This programme has equipped you with valuable knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of business so you won’t depend on NGOs and UN. We are not just giving cash and food; we are giving you opportunities to become self-reliant,” Dr. Asemakaha stated.
As part of the empowerment effort, each of the six graduates received a cheque of ₦250,000 to start small businesses. Dr. Asemakaha also expressed gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for approving the scheme and pledging to absorb more IDPs in subsequent batches.
The event featured inspiring remarks from other BIPC officials, including Company Secretary Josephat Ioryoosu Esq., Head of Business Development and Strategy Theresa Abeda, Chief Operating Officer of BIPC Bread Charles Gber, and Chief Baker Samuel Agoho. They praised the resilience and determination of the graduate trainees.
Among the beneficiaries, Cameroonian refugee Oyah Comfort expressed gratitude to the company, pledging to pass on the acquired skills to fellow refugees. Others, including Anyiman Blessing and Gabriel Terseer, thanked BIPC for providing them with knowledge and opportunities for self-sufficiency.
Naomi John Yerima, representing the UNHCR Head of Sub-Office, commended the Benue State Government for strengthening BIPC through visionary leadership. She lauded the beneficiaries for demonstrating that “displacement does not define their potentials,” urging them to use their new skills to pursue their dreams.
This graduation signals BIPC’s broader commitment to integrating IDPs and refugees into its economic framework, creating pathways for long-term stability and growth. The initiative marks a transformative step toward economic empowerment for displaced persons in the region.
