By JOAN NWAGWU

No fewer than 39 skilled artisans from Benue State have been deployed to Belarus under the Federal Government’s international job placement programme.

Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, disclosed this on Monday at the send-off ceremony in Abuja,

The initiative, the first of its kind, is a collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Benue State Government, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Benue State Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, and Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd.

Onyejeocha said the programme aligns with government’s drive to reduce unemployment and promote safe, orderly labour migration.

She said that Nigeria must deepen international partnerships to remain competitive in the changing world of work, emphasizing the importance of technology exchange and global best practices.

“This ceremony is more than a send-off. It affirms our shared resolve to build a labour ecosystem that allows Nigerians not just to work, but to excel,” she said.

She charged the artisans to honour their contracts, respect their hosts and uphold their professionalism project Nigeria’s resilience and skill.

Director-General, NDE, Mr. Silas Agara, said the initiative, which started in 2019, had opened opportunities for Nigerian artisans in Belarus’ construction sector.

Agara said the programme also discourages irregular migration, assuring that skilled Nigerians now have access to safe and decent employment abroad.

“We are collectively declaring that young Nigerians no longer need to risk the Sahara Desert or Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. All they need are skills,” he said.

The D-G commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue for sponsoring 39 artisans, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the state and the nation.

Mr. Charles Adzo, Chief Executive Officer of Enhanced Entrepreneurs Belarus Nig. Co. Ltd, disclosed that each artisan would remit N300,000 monthly to support their families and also contribute to a revolving fund for other beneficiaries.

Adzo said the contributions would strengthen the local economy, ensure sustainability of the programme and enable more indigenes of Benue to benefit in the future. (NAN)