By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic diversification and inclusive growth, emphasizing strategic partnerships with the private sector and development finance institutions.
Speaking yesterday when he received at Government House Makurdi,the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council ,PEBEC, during a visit to Benue State, Governor Alia highlighted the state’s vast agricultural potential, citing its arable lands and waterways as ideal for a thriving agribusiness sector.
Governor Alia in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula specifically pointed out opportunities in agro-processing facilities for key commodities such as tomatoes, yams, and ginger.
“If you’re looking for partnerships where the soil is fertile and the market is ready, then you’re welcome to Benue State”, he said.
According to the Governor the presidential initiative aligns with his administrations goal of becoming a hub for agricultural mechanization, attracting private investment in mechanized farming equipment, processing facilities, and agribusiness ventures.
Beyond agriculture, Governor Alia stressed the importance of reliable energy solutions to drive industrial growth,stressing that the state is collaborating with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to attract renewable energy providers, to ensure sustainable energy solutions for agro-processing zones and industrial parks and acknowledged that reliable power is essential for productivity.
Addressing security concerns, Governor, Alia assured potential investors that their investments would be safe,expressing appreciation to the state’s strategic security infrastructure including initiatives such as the Bureau for Homeland Security and the paramilitary force, Anyam Nyor, which he noted are in place to guarantee a secure environment.
He noted that the Benue Investment and Promotion Agency ,BENIPA, will play a pivotal role in facilitating investments and streamlining bureaucratic processes,pointing out that through BENIPA, investors should expect professional guidance and timely engagements.
The governor expressed optimism that with its rich cultural heritage, fertile lands, and conducive business environment, Benue State is poised to become a prime investment destination, reaffirming his administrations commitment to unlocking the state’s potential and invited stakeholders to join in the transformative journey to send a clear signal that Benue is a land of opportunities.
