From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
As part of efforts to expand its business concerns, generate employment opportunities, and boost the economic development of the State, the Benue Investment and Property Company, (BIPC) has made steps to takeover the Ben Fruits Company Limited.
The juice processing factory, owned by the Benue State Government, has been dormant since 2015 under the management of Telagro.
BIPC, led by its Managing Director Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has now stepped in to revive its operations.
Asemakaha, who led his team to inspect the Ben Fruits equipments at the industrial layout in Makurdi, directed the engineering team to resume work on July 25th, 2024, to test the equipment and ascertain their functionality.
The managing director noted that the equipment at the facility is top-notch and directed an asset audit to determine how best to utilize the plants.
He said “Once the necessary checks are completed, BIPC plans to run a juice production line that will enable the company to produce a variety of juices for consumption in the state.”
The Assistant Director, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry,
Kennedy Igyor and Chief Security Officer, Tseeshom Mannaseh, who conducted the BIPC team round the facility, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s plan to revive Ben Fruits.
They lamented the vandalism and security incidents that have affected the factory in the past but expressed confidence that BIPC can successfully revamp the facility to serve the people of Benue State.
He said “This takeover aligns with the vision of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia to drive economic development in the state through strategic investments and job creation.
