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The Benue State Government has officially launched the inaugural phase of its International Entrepreneurship and Youth Empowerment Programme in Belarus.
The programme, championed by Governor Hyacinth Alia, is being implemented in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment. It is currently underway at the Republican Institute for Vocational Studies (RIPO) in Belarus, where selected Benue youths have commenced intensive artisanal training.
The training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practical experience, focusing on infrastructural development and a broad spectrum of vocational disciplines. Participants are being equipped with modern digital and technical skills to enable them to compete effectively in the global labour market.
Governor Alia has indicated plans to expand the initiative to include the agricultural and automotive sectors, underscoring his administration’s commitment to sustainable youth empowerment and international collaboration.
The Benue delegation, led by the Director General of the Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Benita Shuluwa, was formally received by officials of RIPO, with training activities commencing immediately.
Both the Benue State Government and RIPO have expressed optimism about strengthening their partnership, with discussions already underway to extend the programme across multiple Centres of Excellence within the institute.
The development is expected to open new pathways for skills acquisition, innovation, and global exposure for youths in Benue State.
The programme was announced on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
This international youth training initiative is being viewed as a bold step by the Alia administration towards addressing youth unemployment and building a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth in the state.
