By Queen Kunde
The Benue State House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the re-capitalization of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), describing it as crucial for driving industrialization, job creation, and sustainable economic growth in the state.
The call was made during an oversight visit by the House Committee on Rules and Business to BIPC’s flagship projects — the Brewery along Gboko Road and the Benfruits and Benval Juice Factories at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, commended Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for prioritizing industrial development and lauded the appointment of Dr. Raymond Asemakaha as Group Managing Director of BIPC, calling it a “wise decision.”
According to Dugeri, the factories are already 90 percent complete and on the verge of take-off. “Once these projects come on stream, they will change the economic fortunes of Benue,” he said, stressing that future budgets must make provisions for re-capitalization to keep the company thriving.
Dr. Asemakaha, in his remarks, disclosed that the first batch of 20 trucks loaded with oranges would arrive by October 15 for test production at the juice factory. He described the projects as deliberate moves to “redirect the economy of our state” and challenged Benue youths to embrace skill acquisition and self-reliance rather than depending solely on academic certificates.
The brewery and juice factory, when fully operational, are expected to create over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a major boost to employment and income opportunities across the state.
The Assembly’s endorsement signals a united commitment by both the legislature and the executive to position BIPC as a frontline player in Benue’s industrial revolution.