BIPC EMPOWERS IDPs, REFUGEES — SIX GRADUATE WITH BUSINESS STARTUP FUNDS

By Queen Kunde

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has graduated its first cohort of six Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees under a new business empowerment model designed to provide lasting economic opportunities.

The graduation ceremony, held at BIPC headquarters in Makurdi, was described by management as a “milestone in empowering displaced persons to achieve economic independence.”

Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, congratulated the beneficiaries, noting that the programme developed in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) goes beyond aid by equipping displaced persons with business skills and financial backing.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide hope to our IDPs. This programme has equipped you with valuable knowledge and skills so you won’t depend solely on NGOs and the UN. We are not just giving cash and food; we are giving opportunities to become self-reliant,” Asemakaha said.

Each graduate received ?250,000 to launch small-scale businesses. Dr. Asemakaha also expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for approving the scheme and pledged that more displaced persons would benefit in upcoming batches.

Representing UNHCR, Naomi John Yerima applauded the initiative, affirming that “displacement does not define potentials” and urging the new entrepreneurs to use their skills to transform their futures.

Other BIPC officials, including Company Secretary Josephat Ioryoosu Esq., and Head of Business Development and Strategy Theresa Abeda, hailed the resilience of the trainees.

Beneficiaries such as Cameroonian refugee Oyah Comfort pledged to share their knowledge with fellow refugees, while others, including Anyiman Blessing and Gabriel Terseer, thanked BIPC for restoring their hope and independence.

With this graduation, BIPC signals its commitment to integrating IDPs and refugees into Benue’s economic framework turning survival into opportunity and displacement into resilience.