Plans PPP to boost livestock, tourism and jobs in Benue
By Queen Kunde
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has begun talks with a United States-based investment firm, Vallejo Services of Texas, to revive the abandoned Ikogen Cattle Ranch in Kwande Local Government Area and the Ikwe Wildlife Park in Gwer East Local Government Area.
The move is aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the two state-owned assets through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) that will promote livestock production, tourism, job creation and investment across Benue State.
The discussions followed an inspection tour of the facilities led by the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, alongside the President of Vallejo Services, Mr. Oracio Vallejo, members of the BIPC Board and the company’s management team.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Asemakaha said the partnership would restore the facilities to full operation and position Benue as a major centre for commercial livestock production and milk processing.
He said the investors were impressed by the enormous potential of the ranch and wildlife park and expressed confidence that work could begin without delay.
“We brought investors here today to see the beautiful things that we have and reawaken the dormant investments that we have. From the discussions we have had, it is something that can commence immediately. If we are producing milk from animals that will be reared here and have this ranch functional, certainly our economy will grow,” he said.
Dr. Asemakaha also praised Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for creating an enabling environment for investment, saying the administration’s support had strengthened BIPC’s drive to attract strategic partners and transform the state’s economy.
President of Vallejo Services, Mr. Oracio Vallejo, described the Ikogen Cattle Ranch and Ikwe Wildlife Park as valuable assets with huge investment opportunities. He affirmed his company’s readiness to partner with BIPC under the proposed PPP arrangement to restore the facilities and maximize their economic value for the people of Benue.
Also speaking, Chairman of the BIPC Board, Chief Lady Elizabeth Shuluwa, assured that the board would support policies that encourage investment and improve the company’s operations.
She expressed optimism that the partnership would breathe new life into the ranch and wildlife park, creating fresh opportunities in agriculture, tourism, employment and economic development in line with Governor Alia’s vision for a prosperous Benue.
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