In a bold move to address the acute shortage of technical expertise among Benue State’s youth, Governor Hyacinth Alia has greenlit an innovative training program that will send 12 young natives to China for hands-on instruction in operating and maintaining advanced EBI machines. The initiative targets the Food Basket Brewery, where the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has been hemorrhaging funds on foreign contractors.
The decision stems from revelations that BIPC is currently forking out a staggering $250 per day to a single expatriate expert—excluding costs for feeding and accommodation—without any formal certification or knowledge transfer to local staff. Frustrated by this unsustainable dependency, Governor Alia directed BIPC to identify and select 12 promising individuals from across all geopolitical zones in the state, ensuring fair representation and inclusivity.
These trainees will embark on a six-week intensive program in China, focusing on the operation and maintenance of EBI machines critical to the brewery’s operations. Upon completion, they will be divided into four batches to facilitate phased integration back home, allowing for seamless domestication of the skills and a sharp reduction in reliance on overseas contractors.
This practical step not only empowers Benue’s youth with globally competitive technical know-how but also paves the way for long-term cost savings and self-sufficiency in the state’s industrial sector. By building sustainable local capacity, the governor is fostering economic independence and positioning Benue as a hub for homegrown innovation.
As the selected youths prepare for this transformative journey, there’s renewed optimism for the state’s future. May Benue succeed in this endeavor and inspire similar initiatives across Nigeria!
