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The Benue State Government has stepped up efforts to draw strategic investments into its agricultural sector by hosting a high-level delegation from NOVA Global Ltd, based in Hefei City, Anhui Province, China.
The engagement took place at Government House in Makurdi, with Deputy Governor Barr. Sam Ode representing Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Deputy Governor Ode affirmed the administration’s resolve to establish Benue as a prime destination for investments, drawing on a skilled team of technocrats in critical sectors to fuel economic expansion.
He stressed that agriculture forms the core of the state’s development strategy, with the aim of reinforcing the complete value chain—from farm-level production to processed goods ready for export. This approach seeks to increase foreign exchange earnings and enhance the welfare of residents.
The deputy governor underscored the government’s preference for genuine Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that deliver tangible, measurable results over mere symbolic agreements.
Dr. Raymond Asemakakaha, Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPIC), presented the visiting team, highlighting their proficiency in agriculture, infrastructure, and mining. Abububakar Yerima, Director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, noted that the investors have earlier launched agro-processing initiatives in states including Niger, Jigawa, and Oyo.
Representing the Chinese side, Professor Wang explained that the proposed project centers on establishing large-scale agro-processing zones that combine cultivation, processing, packaging, and related activities. Investors would supply funding across the entire production process, backed by vital infrastructure support.
Benue’s Commissioner for Information, Peter Oboh Egbobodo, and Commissioner for Finance, Michael Oglebega, reiterated the state’s dedication to mechanization, youth job creation, and infrastructure growth. Donald Akule, Managing Director of the Benue Agricultural Development Company, outlined the state’s strong capabilities in crops like sesame, soybean, yam, cassava, and bio-energy production.
Both sides conveyed strong confidence that the discussions would establish the basis for a meaningful strategic alliance, with the potential to revolutionize Benue’s agricultural landscape and scale up export-focused agro-industrial output.
