BIPC, Sono, Picama Sign Landmark Deal to Boost Benue Agriculture

By Queen Kunde

Benue State took a major step toward transforming its agricultural economy as the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Sono Group and Picama Group Limited signed a historic Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) in Abuja on Friday.

The agreement, sealed at the Abuja Continental Hotel, aims to tackle one of the state’s biggest challenges—post-harvest losses of mangoes and oranges—while turning Benue into a major agro-industrial hub.

Under the new partnership, the three organisations will work together to improve agro-processing, support farmers, group smallholder farmers into cooperatives, and create better access to both local and international markets. They also plan to introduce long-term solutions that will help farmers preserve their produce and reduce waste.

BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha-CFA, said the deal aligns with the state’s vision of moving agriculture from small-scale subsistence to full industrial growth.

“Together, we are rewriting the story of agriculture in Benue,” he said. He added that the agreement will drive economic growth, create jobs, support farmer prosperity and boost the state’s global recognition. “This is a historic turning point for Benue,” he said.

Sono Group Co-founder, Mr. Daren Jenkins, described the partnership as transformational. “This agreement is more than business—it is a pledge to turn Benue’s fruits and economy into prosperity,” he said.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Picama Group Ltd, Mr. Frank Runge, said the goal is to ensure farmers benefit fully from their hard work. “Our partnership ensures that no farmer’s sweat goes to waste; every harvest will find its market,” he said, adding that the group is ready to begin full operations.

The event was attended by senior officials of BIPC, including Company Secretary Josephat Ioryoosu, Chief Risk Officer Andrew Simon and Head of Legal Unit Barr. Kakwagh Emmanuel, alongside global investment partners from Sono and Picama.

With this new agreement, stakeholders say Benue is set for a brighter agricultural future driven by innovation, cooperation and sustainable growth.