Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to revive all moribund industries in the state to boost revenue generation, create jobs and improve the livelihood of the people.
The Governor stated this on Thursday during an inspection of facilities at Star Cement Company Limited in Igumale, Ado Local Government Area, and the Otukpo Burnt Bricks Company in Otukpo Local Government Area as well as Taraku Mills in Gwer Local Government Areas
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, Governor Alia said the administration was not only building new industries but was also determined to bring back all abandoned ones.
“The revitalization of industries is one of the core objectives and pillars of this administration because we believe that creating jobs and creating wealth for our communities should be our focal point,” he said.
He noted that employing the youth would help address insecurity and attract more investors to the state.
“If we bring back this industry, it will improve the economy not only of Igumale and Otukpo but the entire Benue State. It will also de-escalate the insecurity we find around this place. This place will no longer be a hiding place for armed bandits,” the Deputy Governor said.
On the Otukpo Burnt Bricks plant established in 1979 during the administration of Chief Aper Aku, Governor Alia said the facility had been vandalized and left moribund.
“This industry was meant to produce briquettes, roofing sheets and sanitary ware to feed the building industry in this state. We are determined to bring it back to life so that it can create jobs for the teeming youth of our community, especially the people of Idoma nation,” he said.
While addressing workers at Taraku Mills, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to prompt payment of wages and allowances. “Before we open the gates of this industry for the benefit of the people of Benue State, we are going to comply with all safety requirements,” he stated.
The Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, said work would commence immediately to restore Star Cement Company, which he described as a people-driven project.
He noted that the initial transaction for the structure was faulty, with over $6.1 million already paid by the state government. “We will invite the Chinese contractors back to site. We will also invite professionals for environmental assessment. The raw materials are available for production,” he said.
Dr. Asemakaha added that BIPC would review how the $18 million loan given to the state was utilized and engage relevant agencies including the Mining Cadastre Office.
The BIPC boss further disclosed that the administration had already revived the Benue Brewery and Benue Food Products as part of its industrialization drive.
“During Aper Aku’s time, the population was 2.5 million with so many industries. Today we are 7.5 million and the number of companies is relatively low. That is why we must drive aggressively to ensure these companies come back alive,” he said.
Dr Asemakaha said over ₦5 million was spent on water and over ₦9 million on diesel to prepare the Taraku plant, while power connection is scheduled for Saturday, stating that a registered nurse from the host community has also been employed, and workers were paid a token last week.
He added that plans are underway to establish a bread factory in Otukpo within the next three months, with equipment already procured and in the warehouse.
Speaking on the cement company, Director of Industry in the State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mbamilin Yandev, said the state government had signed a Build, Operate and Transfer agreement with Zengu-Zhou Cangxi Industry and Commerce Development Company from China for the cement company.
“The agreement was for 10 years, with the first three years for construction and installation. Production was expected to start in the fourth year. However, the Chinese company left the site due to some contractual obligations challenges on the part of government and harassment from citizens due to non payment of compensation for the land despite having supplied the machinery in three batches,” she said.
Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Engr. Sunny Oche, assured that the people of the area have been yearning for the commencement of the cement industry. He pledged peaceful operations, availability of a 33KVA power source, and the council’s support to ensure the success of the project.
Also speaking, APC Benue South Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Francis Agbo, and APC House of Representatives Candidate for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Hon. Anthony Agom, commended Dr. Raymond Asemakaha for his vision under Governor Alia’s leadership. They urged the people of Benue State, especially those in Benue South, to support the Governor’s re-election bid to enable him complete the projects he has started.
The team also commiserated with families of those killed in the recent attack in Benue South Senatorial District, with Dr. Ode assuring that robust security arrangements have been put in place.
