News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Group Managing Director/CEO of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha-CFA, has said the current initiatives of the company are aimed at redirecting Benue youths into the business ecosystem.
Dr. Asemakaha stated this during a zoom virtual town hall meeting titled “Advancing economic development in Benue State: Our Recent Achievements and the Future Outlook” held Friday morning.
The GMD stated that even though the state has multi sectoral challenges, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has headhunted technocrats like him who are fixing it and redirecting the state economy to take it original place.
He said, “Jobs lost from 2014 to 2023 peg at 907,676 in SMEs sector. This administration is able to reverse the negative growth from -3.2 to Positive just within one year. output has to exceed population growth going forward. Presently, our output growth is low in relation to population growth.
“That is why we are coming up with effective strategies and policies such as Benue states inclusive economy policy, Benue state policy on micro small and medium, Benue state industrial and trade policy etcetera to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” Asemakaha explained.
He also announced that there are plans to establish the Benue Investment Trust Fund which will provide financial support and resources to young entrepreneurs, enabling them to start and grow their businesses.
“By redirecting Benue youth into the business ecosystem, BIPC aims to create a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in the state. The establishment of the Benue Investment Trust Fund is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy.
“This initiative aims to empower young people in the state to become entrepreneurs and job creators,” Asemakaha added.
The virtual town hall meeting, hosted by Irene Azubuike of Viider Consulting provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with Dr. Asemakaha and other contributors.
Participants including David Fiase asked questions and shared their thoughts on the initiative, expressing hope in the initiatives potentials to transform Benue’s business landscape.
