The Benue State Government has revealed plans to sponsor 100 youths in fashion design.
Governor Ortom gave the indication Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Benue Fashion Designers’ Network on a courtesy visit at Government House in Makurdi.
According to him, the Benue State government would sponsor 100 youths in fashion and design to enable them to harness entrepreneurship opportunities in the sector.
He said, “As a government, to complement your efforts, among your group, identify 100 youths, male and female, that you will train. The government of Benue State will bear the cost of the training.
“I believe it will add value to our youth and what you are doing. At the end of the training, the government will also provide the basic equipment so that the trainees can start up. Thank you for making us proud. We look forward to seeing you on the national and international stage with laurels. ”
He directed the office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to liaise with the leadership of the association to identify youths that would benefit from the programme.
He stated that the fashion industry provides good value chain opportunities for Benue youths, and that what was expected of them was to be industrious and creative in order to contribute to their livelihood and the economy.
The Governor commended Jamal Mshelia and his team of Benue Designers’ Network for adding value to the state, stating that “This is what we expect our youths to be doing. “The market is huge when it comes to fashion,” he said.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Mshelia, said their visit was to honour Governor Ortom for promoting the Benue culture through Benue unity attire and to inform him of their intention to participate in the forthcoming fashion competition.
He said the Governor has continued to play a significant role in the fashion industry in the state, pointing out that he has also demonstrated through his programmes that he was a youth-oriented leader.
The group presented a plaque to the Governor as a “Fashion Icon” for his promotion of Benue fabrics.
