By Queen Kunde
Taraku Mills Limited in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State has commenced the first phase of test production, marking a major step towards the revival of the long-dormant industrial facility.
The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, who spoke during the exercise, described the test-run as a significant step towards returning the factory to full operation.
Asemakaha commended the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his commitment to reviving moribund industries across the state.
He said the administration was determined to take charge of dormant industries and restore them to productive use.
“We must take charge of moribund industries. We are ensuring that the dead balance sheet has come back to life,” he said.
According to him, the ongoing test production is aimed at ensuring that Taraku Mills resumes production and begins supplying locally produced vegetable oil to consumers in Benue.
“Today’s exercise is done to ensure that our oil comes back before the end of this year, and I am assuring that the people of Benue will soon have the oil,” Asemakaha said.
He said the revival of the factory would also provide a ready market for agricultural produce and increase the economic value of crops produced by farmers in the state.
“Very soon our farmers will have value for their crops, as can be seen in the orange market,” he said, noting that farmers were already recording improved returns from their produce.
Asemakaha added that the state government would continue its efforts to revive other dormant factories in Benue to create jobs and promote industrial development.
The Plant Manager of Taraku Mills, Engineer James Terngu Ikyuve, disclosed that the factory had received 300 metric tonnes of soybeans for the test-run.
He said the soybeans had commenced the purification process, which would be followed by crushing, oil extraction and refining.
Ikyuve explained that the factory was currently testing production at a rate of 50 metric tonnes per day as the machinery is gradually restored to its full production capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day.
He assured that the factory would begin providing locally produced vegetable oil to consumers in Benue before the end of October.
The Lead Consultant to Taraku Mills, Saleh Mansur, commended Governor Alia for his administration’s commitment to reviving the factory.
Mansur expressed optimism that the revival process would soon restore production of the “golden oil” for which Taraku Mills was known.
Also speaking, Iortuhwa Moses, a youth leader and worker at the factory, expressed the appreciation of the host community to the governor for the revival of Taraku Mills.
He said the return of the factory to production would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities within the community and beyond.