Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, has announced an ambitious plan to revamp and establish a minimum of 10 industries within the first four years of his administration. This initiative aims to drive economic growth and development in the state.
Governor Alia acknowledged the critical role of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) in this industrial revolution, highlighting that the company requires a liquidity infusion of no less than N7 billion to achieve its goals. He assured that his administration is committed to securing the necessary funding.
Speaking at the commissioning of several new BIPC projects in Makurdi, including a state-of-the-art bakery, a water factory, the Emperor Fertilizer plant, and a motorcycle hire purchase scheme, Governor Alia praised the managing director, Raymond Asemakaha, and his team for their dedication. These projects, he noted, are significant milestones in the state’s development journey.
The newly inaugurated bakery is set to provide fresh, wholesome bread to the citizens of Benue, promoting healthy living and catering to community needs. The water factory aims to produce clean, affordable, and potable water, addressing the gap in clean drinking water availability and ensuring that every household has access to safe water.
Governor Alia emphasized the transformative potential of the Emperor Fertilizer plant, which will offer high-quality fertilizers to boost crop yields and enhance agricultural productivity. He also highlighted the motorcycle hire purchase scheme, which is designed to empower the youth by providing them with a means of income, thereby improving their standard of living and stimulating economic activities.
“The motorcycle hire purchase scheme will not only create jobs but also stimulate economic activities, enabling the youth to become productive members of society,” Governor Alia stated.
Furthermore, the governor revealed plans to support BIPC with an equity stake to establish a brewery and a juice factory. His administration is also focused on addressing security issues to create a conducive environment for investors and is offering tax holidays to attract and retain business investments in the state.
Earlier, Raymond Asemakaha, managing director of BIPC, announced plans to employ at least one million Benue citizens before the end of Governor Alia’s term. He detailed the establishment of the Emperor Fertilizer plant, which is specially formulated to enhance crop yields and promote healthy soil, as a significant boost to the state’s agricultural sector.
“In our pursuit to address youth unemployment, we have introduced a pioneering Motorcycle Hire Purchase Scheme. Our research shows that commercial motorcycles, commonly known as ‘Okada,’ significantly contribute to youth employment. This innovative scheme aims to empower young people by providing them with affordable access to motorcycles, with plans for future expansion into tricycles and cars,” Asemakaha explained.
