10/07/2026
BENUE STATE ADVANCES HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INTERNATIONAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AT RIPO, MINSK, BELARUS.
1. The Benue–Belarus Artisanal Training Programme is an initiative facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to equip young Nigerians from all 36 states with vocational and technical skills.
2. Under the proactive leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Benue State Government approved and sponsored the participation of 40 Benue youths in the programme through an NDE appointed consultant - Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. (EBNC) Ltd., with oversight duties coordinated by the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation (BEWC).
3. For effective implementation, the Belarusian authorities, through the Embassy of Belarus in Nigeria, scheduled the approved beneficiaries in batches. The first batch of 12 beneficiaries successfully obtained their visas and proceeded to Belarus for the training.
4. The beneficiaries underwent an intensive two-month vocational training programme at the Republican Institute for Vocational Education (RIPO), Minsk, Belarus, from 14 April to 12 June 2026. Upon successful completion of the programme, they returned to Nigeria.
5. During the programme, the beneficiaries acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in modern infrastructure development technologies. They also developed interpersonal and leadership skills through participation in study tours, football competitions, cultural exchanges, and other social activities.
6. Throughout their stay, the Benue beneficiaries demonstrated exemplary conduct, discipline, and commitment, earning commendation from the training institution and serving as worthy ambassadors of Benue State and Nigeria.
7. Following the successful completion of the programme, the Benue State Government congratulated the beneficiaries for their diligence, resilience, and outstanding performance, describing their achievement as a significant investment in the state’s human capital development.
8. The Benue State Government is proud of the first batch of beneficiaries and will officially receive them at a welcome ceremony. As part of its commitment to youth empowerment, Government will also provide start-up empowerment support to facilitate their integration into sustainable small-scale enterprises, enabling them to apply the skills acquired and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Benue State.
9. The National Directorate of Employment shall announce the commencement of the second batch for the training programme.
We thank His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth I. Alia Ph.D for his steadfast leadership and unwavering support in youth and human capital development.
