Benue Will Be Built by You, Asemakaha Tells Youths

The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, has charged youths in Benue State to take responsibility for the development of the state, declaring that “Benue will be built by you.”

Dr. Asemakaha gave the charge while delivering a keynote address titled “Benue Will Be Built by You” at the 2026 International Youth Day celebration in Makurdi.

He told the youths that International Youth Day should not only be a celebration but also a day of responsibility, urging them to become active contributors to the development of Benue.

The BIPC GMD advised youths to be “self-relevant” by identifying and solving problems confronting the state, rather than waiting for government appointments or recognition.

He cited challenges such as food insecurity and unemployment, urging young people to become agripreneurs, entrepreneurs and job creators.

Asemakaha also highlighted the example of 17-year-old Eno Olokpo, who designed an artwork titled “The Builder,” describing it as a demonstration of leadership, vision and relevance without waiting for a formal position.

He challenged youths to become self-reliant by leveraging technology, agriculture and vocational skills to create wealth and opportunities.

According to him, a young Benue resident can learn coding and earn in dollars from Makurdi, while skills in welding, tailoring and agro-processing can provide livelihoods and strengthen families.

He said the state has abundant land, talent and human capital, stressing that youths must take advantage of these resources rather than depend solely on government assistance.

The BIPC boss further urged youths to continuously develop their skills in technology, agriculture, leadership, trade, creativity and public service.

He described skills as the “bricks” needed to build a stronger Benue, noting that government can lay the foundation, but the youths must build the house.

Asemakaha said the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia is laying the foundation for a new Benue, but emphasized that the success of the transformation would depend largely on the active participation of young people.

He concluded by urging every youth to pick one skill, master it and use it to serve the state.

“Benue will not be built by wishes. Benue will be built by you,” he declared, adding that youths must be relevant so they cannot be ignored, self-reliant so they do not have to beg, and skilled enough to rebuild the state.

He called on the youths to rise first so that Benue can rise with them, wishing them a happy International Youth Day and praying for continued progress in Benue State.