By Ijeoma Obioma in Makurdi.
The Benue State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rexzodeneh Group Limited to establish the Benue Food City Complex in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Jonah Ogbaji, who signed on behalf of the government, hailed the initiative as a strategic move to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth.
He emphasized that the state government expects immediate action and warned that failure to deliver could lead to sanctions or termination of the contract.
Terhemen Kpankaan, the Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), assured that the company had undergone thorough vetting and that the state expects full project execution.
In his remarks, Hon. Kennedy Angbo, representing Otukpo/Akpa constituency in the State House of Assembly, praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for bringing the project to Otukpo.
He highlighted its potential of the partnership to ensure food sufficiency and create jobs, pledging the community’s support.
The Commissioners for Transport and Renewable Energy, Barr. Omale Omale, and that of Trade and Investment, Alumo Orpin, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to add significant economic value to the state.
The Project Manager, Abusafiah Ramzy,disclosed that the project, three years in the making, aimed to create 20,000 to 30,000 direct jobs for youths, with visible progress expected within 90 days.
Rexzodeneh Group Managing Director, Apata Remi, assured of timely delivery, while Project Coordinator,Bishop Ekwo Ajeibi,projected the partnership as a game-changer that would position Otukpo and Benue as a hub for agro-processing and export trade.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
