The Federal Government has deployed 39 skilled artisans from Benue State to the Republic of Belarus under its International Job Placement Programme designed to provide Nigerians with decent and lawful employment opportunities abroad.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed this at the pre-departure ceremony, held on Monday at the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) headquarters in Abuja.
Onyejeocha said the programme was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government to make Nigerian workers globally competitive.
She commended the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for sponsoring the participants and supporting the initiative, stating, “Today, we honour thirty-nine talented artisans from Benue State who will soon begin their professional journey in Belarus. Their success reflects what can be achieved when vision meets coordination and when partnerships deliver real opportunity.
“This initiative born from collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Benue State Government, the National Directorate of Employment, the Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship & Wealth Creation, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd., shows that progress thrives on alignment between all stakeholders.
“As a Ministry, our mission under the Renewed Hope Agenda is clear: to ensure every Nigerian can access decent, safe, and sustainable work.
The International Job Placement Programme embodies that vision, proving that Nigerian talent is not only capable but globally competitive.”
She urged the artisans to represent Nigeria positively by displaying discipline, commitment, and professionalism in their new workplaces.
Earlier in his remarks, NDE Director-General, Silas Agara, described the event as a significant milestone in the Directorate’s efforts to link skilled Nigerians to decent jobs abroad.
He said the partnership between the NDE and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd began in 2019 and has now created opportunities for artisans in the Belarusian construction sector.
Agara thanked the Benue State Government for its collaboration and prompt sponsorship of the beneficiaries, adding that the initiative would help reduce irregular migration and promote skills and technology transfer.
“We are declaring today that young Nigerians no longer need to risk their lives crossing the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. What they need are skills, competence, and government support.
“It is therefore, our sincere hope and noble expectations that this group of artisans who also happen to be the pioneer beneficiaries of this initiative will abide by the tenets of their contractual agreements. I cannot over emphasize the need for them to show themselves as worthy ambassadors of Benue State and the Nigerian Nation in the diligent discharge of their duties and general conduct in Belarus. It is my fervent prayer that these our worthy ambassadors will not only attain success in Belarus, I pray that they will become change agents that will support the realization of the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the DG said.
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