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In a bold move to reposition Benue as a creative and digital powerhouse in Africa, the state government on Friday unveiled the $15 million Benue Creative Impact Fund (BCIF), a flagship initiative aimed at empowering young talents, driving innovation, and creating over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs, and projecting Tiv, Idoma, and Igede cultures onto the global stage.
The colourful unveiling ceremony, held at Government House Makurdi, was performed by Deputy Governor Barr. Sam Ode, mni, on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Governor Alia described the BCIF as “a defining moment” and the cornerstone of his administration’s economic transformation agenda. “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,” he declared, adding that Benue’s rich cultural identity can become a global brand while generating massive employment and attracting investors.
The fund, launched in strategic partnership with Circuits – an African digital content distribution platform – will provide creatives with access to funding, studio spaces, world-class training, mentorship, digital production tools, and direct linkages to international markets.
Governor Alia revealed that the initiative builds on earlier groundwork already laid by his administration, including the establishment of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), ICT training for 23,000 youths across the 23 LGAs, digital upskilling of 40,000 civil servants, the creation of the Bureau for Culture and Tourism, support for 30 entrepreneurs at the Benue Inventors and Entrepreneurs Exhibition, backing for Benue Men’s Fashion Week, and the Benue Fashion Hub.
“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,” the governor said.
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Circuits, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, who spoke alongside Maria Etemore Glower (CEO, Impact Investors Foundation) and filmmaker Amina Atairu, hailed the partnership as a model for growing sub-national creative economies across Nigeria. She emphasised that Circuits is committed to ensuring Benue talents gain access to sustainable financing, digital infrastructure, and global market opportunities that will allow them to compete at the highest level.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, and Ms. Bibowei-Osuobeni signed the partnership agreement on behalf of the Benue State Government and Circuits respectively.
The well-attended event drew creative industry leaders, investors, development partners, and top government officials, including Chief of Staff Barr. Moses Atagher.
With the global creative economy now a trillion-dollar sector and one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing industries, Governor Alia believes Benue is perfectly placed to ride the wave – and the BCIF is the rocket fuel the state’s young creatives have been waiting for.
