In a significant move to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities in Benue State, the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has initiated a takeover of the dormant Ben Fruits Company Limited. The juice processing factory, owned by the state government, has been inactive since 2015 under the management of Telagro.
Led by Managing Director Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, BIPC aims to revive the facility’s operations and restore its former glory. During an inspection of the equipment at the industrial layout in Makurdi, Dr. Asemakaha directed the engineering team to resume work on July 25th, 2024, to test the equipment and determine their functionality.
The takeover aligns with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s vision for economic development in Benue State through strategic investments and job creation. BIPC plans to run a juice production line, producing various juices for local consumption, once the necessary checks are completed.
The move has been welcomed by officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, who expressed enthusiasm about BIPC’s plan to revive Ben Fruits and confidence in the company’s ability to successfully revamp the facility.
