The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has commissioned its third bakery in Gboko, the ancestral headquarters of the Tiv Nation, as part of efforts to boost economic activities and create new jobs across the state.
This is even as the BIPC management has revealed plans to build a fourth plant in Oturkpo to replicate the same economic benefits in Benue South (Zone C) and insure inclusive development.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, said the project was in line with the directive of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to promote industrial growth and support small-scale production across local communities.
Dr. Asemakaha explained that the Gboko bakery would stimulate commercial activities in the area, provide employment opportunities, and contribute to stabilizing the prices of essential commodities such as bread and water.
The BIPC boss reaffirmed the company’s commitment to reviving moribund state enterprises, including the Anune Tomato Factory, and working toward returning Dangote Cement to Benue ownership for the benefit of the people. He called on citizens to continue supporting Governor Alia’s administration in its economic recovery agenda.
Performing the commissioning, the Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation, His Majesty, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, represented by Tor Jemgbagh, HRH Afaatyo Ajoko, commended Governor Alia for transforming the state’s economic landscape.
He urged residents of Gboko to protect and sustain the project for the collective good of the community.
The Commissioner ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Alumo Orpin, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting BIPC as a strategic driver of job creation and industrial growth.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the BIPC Board, Chief Lady Elizabeth Mary Ngumbur Shuluwa, commended the state government for stabilizing the prices of essential goods and pledged the board’s continued support through innovative strategies.
Other speakers, including Lucy Jato, GM, Real Estate and Infrastructure, Josephat Ioryoosu, Esq. Company Secretary, and Theresa Abeda, Head, Business Development and Strategy, emphasized that the bakery initiative was designed to enhance local enterprise and improve the state’s internally generated revenue.
In goodwill messages, the Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Shosum, the APC Woman Leader, Chief Mrs. Lydia Agaigbe, and the APC Youth Leader for Gboko pledged to take ownership of the project and ensure its sustainability.
