By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC is a state owned enterprise established with the aim of promoting economic growth and general development of the state.
Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director and CEO of Benue Investment and Property Company,BIPC,was appointed on October 29,2023 by the Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, and for almost a year he has managed affairs of the company, the journey has been so rewarding witnessing remarkable achievements, transforming the company through innovation, growth, and strategic expansion.
It is pertinent to recall that upon assumption of office, Dr. Asemakaha through his innovative ideas organized the inaugural Benue Local Investors Forum, BELIF, summit, bringing together local investors to discuss activities and explore government support. This fostered collaboration between the government and local enterprises.
Under his leadership the Benue Investment House underwent significant restructuring and modernization, enhancing staff productivity.
The management under his watch equally remodelled the BIPC Kaduna and North Bank guest houses into state-of-the-art facilities.
His administration has not left out infrastructural development, the management under his watch has completed BIPC 14 units of three-bedroom flats at the BIPC Fountain Estate in Nyorgyungo, Makurdi, expanding housing offerings.
The company also launched a state-of-the-art bakery, providing fresh bread to the Benue people, and introduced a bottled water brand, ensuring access to clean and affordable drinking water.
In the area of economic growth Benue State received a positive outlook revision from Fitch Ratings, affirming its Long-term Issuer Default Rating,IDR,at “B”.
This recognition reflects the commitment to sound fiscal policies promoting transparency and economic growth.
Under his empowerment initiative,BIPC under Dr Asemakaha has allocated 15% of traineeships at its water and bakery factory to internally displaced persons, IDPs, and refugees as well as introduction of a motorcycle hire-purchase scheme for refugees in Ikyogen, providing economic opportunities.
His administration has revolutionalized industries through establishment of a manufacturing plant for polythene products and a nail manufacturing factory, generating employment opportunities.
BIPC has also partnered with Radio Benue to develop a 90-unit Eco-City Estate, to promote sustainable urban development.
Asemakaha whose future projections include plans to establish an Agro Commodities HUB,Normal Saline Manufacturing,
Calibration Centre,Nail Production factory,Expansion of Bread Factory, building of an Eco City,Benue AIR, a Pharmaceutical Centre,Vocational Training Centre, Eco Tourism Resort,an Insurance company, Automotive Parts Manufacturing factory,Biogas Production and
CNG Kit Centre all in the state before the end of his administration believes that these initiatives, would created approximately 1,500 direct and indirect jobs across various sectors, which will significantly contribute to the State’s GDP growth.
Dr Asemakaha who expressed optimism that together BIPC and Benue community will continue to propel economic transformation and prosperity that would benefit the state and its people, also expressed gratitude to Governor Alia and the dedicated BIPC staff, for the support so far,reaffirming his commitment to driving economic transformation and prosperity in Benue State.
