The Benue State Government has launched a $15 million Benue Creative Impact Fund (BCIF) to support young creatives, drive innovation, and create more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state.
The fund was unveiled on Friday at the Government House in Makurdi by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Sam Ode. The initiative forms part of the administration’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Governor Alia described the BCIF as a strategic move to position Benue as a competitive player in Africa’s fast-growing creative economy, noting that the sector has become a trillion-dollar contributor to global GDP and one of Nigeria’s fastest-expanding industries.
Launched in partnership with Circuit, an African digital content distribution platform, the fund will provide creatives with access to financing, studio facilities, training, mentorship, digital production tools, and opportunities to reach global markets.
According to the governor, the programme is expected to strengthen creative enterprises while unlocking opportunities for thousands of young people across the state. He said Benue’s cultural heritage—including Tiv, Idoma, and Igede identities—has significant economic value that can be leveraged to attract investment and create jobs.
Alia also highlighted related initiatives already implemented by his administration, including the establishment of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, ICT training for over 23,000 youths, and digital upskilling of 40,000 civil servants. Other efforts include the creation of the Bureau for Culture and Tourism and support for fashion, entrepreneurship, and innovation hubs.
Speaking at the event, Circuit’s Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, said the fund would help close development gaps at the sub-national level by creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young people, and boosting internally generated revenue. She assured that Benue creatives would gain access to the tools, infrastructure, and financing needed to compete globally.
Also speaking, the CEO of Impact Investors Foundation, Maria Etemore Glover, alongside filmmaker Amina Atairu, described the BCIF as a model for strengthening creative economies at the state level. The partnership agreement was signed on behalf of the Benue State Government by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, and by Bibowei-Osuobeni for Circuit.
