By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev.Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reassured the people that his administration would always remain dedicated to its promises by creating opportunities for the youth, drive economic growth to transform the state’s future with the aim to mop off idleness in the state.
The governor who gave the reassurance in a statement maintained that Benue under his watch would continue to witness remarkable transformation.
Governor Alia in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Tuesday in Makurdi, explained that his unwavering commitment to job creation and youth empowerment with various initiatives across the state is already yielding impressive results, assuring that such efforts would continue to pay off.
Governor Alia further revealed that since assuming office, he has prioritized the creation of employment opportunities for the youth,adding that one of the key sectors that has benefitted from this focus is healthcare.
He said the resuscitation of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH,has led to the employment of over 500 qualified youths, significantly enhancing healthcare delivery in the state,adding that the hospital has also become a medical tourism center, generating substantial revenue for the state.
The governor also disclosed that in addition to the healthcare sector, the Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, has established several factories, including a bakery, water factory, and polythene and nylon printing factory.
According to the governor,these factories are projected to generate over 700 direct and indirect jobs, further reducing youth idleness, stressing that the upcoming launch of Premium Lager Beer, another BIPC subsidiary, promised to create hundreds of additional job opportunities for the youths.
He said Benue State is also experiencing a construction boom, with ongoing roadworks, renovations of schools, and healthcare facilities, arguing that the move has opened doors for professionals like engineers, architects, builders, and artisans to earn legitimate incomes.
Governor Alia equally disclosed that in the digital economy, the state government, in partnership with Google, has trained 10,000 youths in Information and Communication Technology, ICT, across the state, pointing out that the initiative has empowered young people with skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.
