Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia today commissioned three subsidiaries of Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC). The subsidiaries are; Bipc Bakery, makers of Bipc Loaf Bread; Bipc Water, producers of Bip Water; and Bipc Fertiliser, manufacturers of Emperor Fertiliser.
The Governor also launches a motorcycle hire-purchase scheme initiated by the company to reduce youth restiveness and address unemployment in Benue.
Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Commence, Trade, and Investment, Hon. Manasseh Aluemo Orpin, the governor lauded Dr. Raymond Asemakaha Jr. for the giant strides he has recorded within the short time of his service at the company.
He promised that the government will support the company’s drive to build a brewery, assuring that the state government is working tirelessly to ensure that moribund industries in the state are revived.
According to the governor, the new subsidiaries will greatly improve the socioeconomic activities of the state and ensure that his industrialization policy is achieved.
Earlier, in a welcome address, Managing Director and CEO of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha-CFA, explained that the factories were designed to create employment opportunities for people in the state and stimulate the economy.
Asemakaha noted that the company is targeting 1 million jobs for the state’s industrial sector, adding that when fully operational, the newly established factories will create over 200 opportunities for Benue youths.
“BIPC needs liquidity of not less than N7 billion to stabilise and drive the industrial revolution that we are currently working on to revamp and build a minimum of 30 industries within the first 4 years of this administration, with job creation of over 1 million.”
The MD announced the loaf of bread to be sold at # 900g for 1,400, 800g 1,100, and 400g for 550; a bag of sachet water for #350, #1800 for a pack of bottle water, while a 50kg bag Emperor Fertilizer is #38, 000 and enjoined citizens of the state to patronise the products.
In separate goodwill messages, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Terkimbi Ikyange; Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nick Eworo; Education and Knowledge Economy, Frederick Ikyaan; and the Director General of Benue Quality Assurance, Dr. Terna Francis, all lauded Dr. Asemakaha for the giant strides.