CSED Delegation Champions Economic Transformation in Benue State

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the Center for Strategic Enterprise Development (CSED) Country Director and CEO, ID Freeman, visited Benue State, Nigeria. The visit, facilitated by Dooyum Naadzenga, CSED Head of Policy & Strategic Engagement for Benue State, aimed to advance CSED's developmental initiatives in the region. These initiatives began in 2021 with the Integrated Benue Communities Development (IBCD) Need Assessment, funded by the James Zua Tule Pewaren Foundation (JZTPF). Following the assessment, CSED developed the Benue Economic Development Agenda Framework anchored on an Agricultural Development-Led Industrialization (ADLI) Implementation Plan.

Engagement with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Creativity

The day commenced with a closed-door meeting at the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Creativity, facilitated by Amb. David-AllGreen Fiase, Consultant to the Benue State Government on Film Development. The meeting was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Akume, who represented the Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Kyange. Present were key officials, including Director of Sports Mr. Emmanuel Ichul, Director of Youth Mrs. Comfort Tsa, Director of Accounting Mrs. Ayanmekaa, and Director of Legal, Barrister Terwase Alashi.

The CSED team presented the "Benue New Generation of Nollywood Producers Prize," an initiative aimed at rapidly developing the Benue State creative economy. The program focuses on capacity building, funding, film technology acquisition, distribution infrastructure, and government-backed investor guarantees, with the potential to drive wealth creation and employment across the state. The proposal was well received, with the Ministry’s leadership agreeing to review the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and inviting CSED for a future MoU signing to initiate the project. CSED has designed this program in partnership with the Association of Movie Producers Nigeria, "Moneyline with Nancy" on African Independent Television, Ben TV London, and other international partners.

Meeting with the Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Office of the Executive Governor

Following the Ministry meeting, the CSED team met with Ms. Benita Shuluwa, Director General of the Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, accompanied by Arc. Nguvan Kyenge. The CSED delegation presented the "Benue Start Studio Incubator," a project designed as a post- Benue MSMEs' Award initiative by the Bureau. The incubator aims to build a $100 million startup and MSME support ecosystem, achieve a combined startup valuation of $10 million USD within four years, create 2,000 direct sustainable jobs, and lift over 10,000 residents above the poverty line. The program was adopted, and Ms. Shuluwa appointed Arc. Nguvan Kyenge to lead the implementation planning.

Engagement with the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA)

In a subsequent meeting, the CSED delegation engaged with Dr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA). This session allowed the team to share insights on Benue’s economic potential and hear about BENIPA’s investment priorities. CSED formalized its intention to collaborate as a Strategic Development Partner, pledging to leverage its network to mobilize real-time investors across priority sectors in alignment with Benue's Agricultural Development-Led Industrialization strategy.

Courtesy Visit to James Zua Tule Pewaren Foundation Founder

The day concluded with a courtesy visit to Dr. Tule Pewaren, Founder of the James Zua Tule Pewaren Foundation. Dr. Pewaren reaffirmed his commitment to integrated development across Benue’s communities, advocating for growth beyond major cities like Makurdi, Otukpo, and Gboko. He praised the state government’s strategic initiatives toward achieving a more inclusive vision for Benue’s future.

This visit by CSED underscores the organization’s dedication to sustainable economic development and empowerment in Benue State, reinforcing collaborative efforts to support the growth of the state's youth, entrepreneurship, creative sectors and syndicating investment for the Agricultural Development Led Industrialization of Benue State.