Iorfa Akpen
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security and boosting economic growth in Benue State. He made the pledge on Saturday in Makurdi while commissioning the Bensono Fruits Processing Company Limited’s fruit concentrate plant as part of activities marking Benue’s 50th anniversary.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu spoke at the “Benue at 50” celebration held at IBB Square. He described the golden jubilee as a moment to honour the state’s resilience, achievements, and future aspirations since its creation in 1976.
According to the President, Benue has grown into a key pillar of Nigeria’s agriculture and economy, earning its “Food Basket of the Nation” status through productivity, cultural diversity, and citizens’ contributions. He said the Federal Government will continue to partner with Governor Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia to tackle insecurity, improve infrastructure, upgrade healthcare and education, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth.
After the anniversary event, the presidential delegation inaugurated the Bensono fruit concentrate processing plant at the Industrial Layout, Makurdi. Tinubu called the project a major boost for agro-industrial development that supports the Federal Government’s push for value addition in agriculture and manufacturing expansion.
The plant has a daily capacity of about 40,000 metric tonnes. Officials say it will generate employment, increase industrial activity, cut reliance on imported fruit concentrate, and earn foreign exchange through exports.
Tinubu commended the Benue State Government and the Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, for delivering the project, describing it as a step toward industrial transformation.
Governor Alia said the factory will provide a stable market for fruit farmers and help reduce post-harvest losses. He added that the plant will serve both local and export markets and is part of his administration’s wider industrialization drive.
Alia also cited the juice factory and Food Basket Brewery as other industries delivered under his government, noting they will raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen the state’s economy. He lauded BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, and the company’s team for completing the long-delayed plant.
Dr Asemakaha said the facility will reduce fruit waste, supply raw materials to local industries, and produce concentrate for export. He noted the plant runs a zero-waste system, with by-products converted into organic fertilizer to support environmental sustainability. He added that the project will lower Nigeria’s spending on imported concentrate and position Benue as a leading agro-processing hub in West Africa.
Those at the commissioning included former Governor Gabriel Suswam, Senator Barnabas Gemade, Speaker Hon. Emberga, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, investors, and other stakeholders.
After the event, hundreds of residents toured the factory, watched the production line, sampled fresh juice, and left with canned products.
The inauguration comes less than two weeks after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s visit to Benue, where she opened 10 new roads in Makurdi and an ICT centre in Ihugh, Vandeikya LGA.
