Alia: Benue fashion hub will transform youth talents into thriving enterprises

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, says the newly inaugurated fashion hub in the state will provide opportunities for the youths to contribute to the region’s economic growth.

Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the fashion and information and communication technology (ICT) hub by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Alia said the projects were designed to unlock the potential of youths in Benue.

The governor said the completion and commissioning of the projects showed that the Benue government is focused on both expanding the labour market and diversifying resources for its industrialisation agenda.

“It will serve as a cornerstone for this administration’s agenda to promote creativity, harness talents, foster innovation, create employment, and provide opportunities for the people of the state,” he said.

“The project is designed to harness the abundant talents of our youth and transform them into thriving enterprises that will contribute significantly to building our economy.

“Today’s world is dynamic and ever-changing, and we in Benue cannot be left behind.

“This is why we are delighted to have you here today to fulfill a promise you made to the people at the first expanded national MSME clinics in January this year.

“You gave us your word, and today, your excellency, you have honoured us again in fulfillment of that promise.”

Alia assured that his administration will ensure that the hub achieves its goals of youth empowerment and socio-economic transformation in Benue.

On his part, the vice-president, represented by Ibrahim Hadejia, chief of staff to the president, commended the governor for ensuring the success of the projects.

Shettima described the hub as the biggest in the country, adding that it “represented the federal government’s desire for industrialisation”.

He called on the government to ensure the hub becomes a national benchmark for excellence and innovation.