By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Benue State Executive Council has approved the establishment of a N378 billion National Food Complex in Ogyoma, Akpa District of Otukpo Local Government Area as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural production, processing and exports.
Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), Dr Terhemen John Paul Dankan, disclosed this after the State Executive Council meeting.
Dankan said the agro-industrial project would cover more than 30,000 hectares across Otukpo, Obi and Ado local government areas, with Otukpo serving as the pilot location.
According to him, the private-sector-driven investment is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs and mobilise about 40,000 outgrowers involved in rice, cassava, maize, livestock feed and other agricultural value chains.
He said the project would process agricultural produce into finished and semi-finished products for domestic consumption and export.
“The 30,000 hectares will be developed in three phases across Otukpo, Obi and Ado, beginning with 12,000 hectares in Otukpo,” Dankan said.
He explained that the state would hold a 10 per cent equity stake in the project, while host communities would also receive a 10 per cent stake to promote social inclusion and sustainability.
The project will operate under a 25-year concession arrangement before being transferred to the Benue State Government.
Dankan said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s National Food Security Programme approved for implementation in six pilot states, with Benue selected as the first beneficiary. He added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project would be signed on Friday.
Benue Moves to Revive Water Infrastructure
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Water, Sanitation and Climate Change, Odoh Ugwu, announced the state’s onboarding into the World Bank-assisted Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene programme.
Ugwu said the initiative would help attract investment and improve water supply and sanitation services across the state.
He said assessments would be conducted on the Greater Makurdi Waterworks, the old Makurdi water facility, as well as water projects in Katsina-Ala and Otukpo.
According to him, the government is also considering rehabilitating the Otobi Waterworks to improve water supply to Otukpo, Ado and surrounding communities.
Government Warns Residents Over Flash Floods
In another development, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Solomon Iorpev, urged residents in flood-prone parts of the state to remain vigilant following indications of possible flash flooding.
He identified vulnerable areas, including Adaka, Achussa, Wurukum, Gboko Road and Welfare Quarters.
Iorpev said the water level stood at about 9.2 metres and did not currently warrant panic, but advised residents to take precautionary measures.
“The indication is that the water level is at 9.2 metres. It is not a major risk for now, but there is a need to be cautious,” he said.
He also urged residents to stop dumping refuse in waterways and drainage channels, saying the government was constructing drainage facilities across Makurdi to reduce the risk of flooding.
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