Deborah Adekaa
The Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has called on young people in Benue State to take an active role in the development of the state, stressing that the future of Benue depends largely on their skills, ideas and initiative.
Asemakaha made the call in Makurdi while delivering a keynote address, titled “Benue Will Be Built by You,” at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration.
He said the annual event should not be limited to celebration but should also serve as a reminder to young people of their responsibilities to themselves and the society.
The BIPC boss urged youths to become “self-relevant” by identifying challenges within their communities and developing practical solutions instead of waiting for government appointments or other forms of recognition.
According to him, issues such as unemployment and food insecurity present opportunities for young people to create businesses, jobs and sustainable sources of income.
He encouraged the youths to explore agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship and vocational skills, noting that such areas could help them become economically independent while contributing to the growth of the state.
Asemakaha cited the example of 17-year-old Eno Olokpo, who produced an artwork titled “The Builder,” as evidence that young people could demonstrate creativity, leadership and relevance regardless of their age or formal position.
He said a young person in Makurdi could acquire digital skills such as coding and access global opportunities, while vocational skills including welding, tailoring and agro-processing could also provide viable livelihoods.
“Benue has the land, the talent and the human capital. What is required is for our young people to identify these opportunities and make productive use of them,” he said.
Asemakaha further charged youths to continuously improve their skills in technology, agriculture, leadership, trade, creativity and public service.
He described skills as the “bricks” required to build a prosperous Benue, noting that while government could provide the foundation, the youths must play a central role in building the state.
He acknowledged the efforts of the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia in laying what he described as the foundation for a new Benue, but stressed that government alone could not transform the state.
The BIPC GMD therefore urged every young person to identify at least one skill, develop competence in it and use it to create value for themselves and their communities.
“Benue will not be built by wishes. Benue will be built by you,” Asemakaha declared.
He urged the youths to become relevant, self-reliant and skilled enough to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state, adding that the progress of Benue would be closely linked to the ability of its young people to take responsibility for its future.