MAKURDI – President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the Benfruit Concentrate Plant in Makurdi, Benue State, describing the project as a major milestone that will create jobs, drive industrialisation and boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
The President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, performed the commissioning during activities marking Benue State’s 50th anniversary, saying the factory further strengthens the state’s reputation as the nation’s “Food Basket.”
Tinubu hailed the establishment of the fruit processing plant as a bold investment in agriculture and value addition, stressing that it would unlock new economic opportunities for farmers and youths.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for delivering the project, describing it as a significant step towards employment generation and economic transformation.
The President urged the Benue State Government to sustain its investments in agriculture and establish more industries capable of driving economic growth, industrialisation and increased foreign exchange earnings.
He also congratulated the people of Benue on the state’s golden jubilee, expressing confidence that the state would continue to witness greater development.
Speaking at the event, Governor Hyacinth Alia said his administration had recorded remarkable progress in industrial development through strategic investments, including the Benue Brewery and the newly inaugurated Benfruit Concentrate Plant.
According to him, the factory will create thousands of employment opportunities for youths, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain.
The governor called on owners of citrus orchards across the state to increase production to meet the growing demand for raw materials, assuring them of improved earnings through the processing plant.
Alia said Benue, at 50, was firmly on the path of sustainable development and expressed optimism that greater achievements lie ahead for the state.
He also praised the Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, and the company’s board for their dedication to bringing the project to reality.
Earlier, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha explained that the Benfruit Concentrate Plant was established to tackle the age-old challenge of post-harvest losses through modern fruit processing technology.
He noted that the partnership between BIPC and SONO Group would create jobs across the agricultural and industrial sectors, provide a ready market for farmers’ produce and significantly increase their incomes.
According to him, the collaboration demonstrates the Benue State Government’s commitment to using strategic public-private partnerships to promote industrial growth, reduce waste, increase exports and improve the livelihoods of the people.
