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In a significant step toward boosting local industry and economic development, the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has announced that SONO Group, a prominent industrial conglomerate, has officially arrived in Benue State to take over and manage the state-of-the-art juice factory constructed by BIPC. The announcement was made by Dr. Raymond Asemakaha Jr., the Managing Director and CEO of BIPC, during a press briefing in Makurdi earlier today.
The handover marks a milestone in the state’s efforts to revitalize its agricultural and industrial sectors, leveraging its position as Nigeria’s “Food Basket.” The juice factory, a flagship project of BIPC, is designed to process the state’s abundant fruit resources into high-quality products for local and international markets. The partnership with SONO Group is expected to enhance production capacity, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Dr. Asemakaha expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This is a transformative moment for Benue State. The arrival of SONO Group to manage our juice factory underscores the commitment of His Excellency, Governor Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to drive industrialization and economic prosperity. We are confident that SONO Group’s expertise will elevate this facility to new heights, benefiting our farmers, youth, and the entire state.”
The juice factory, built under the visionary leadership of Governor Alia, is part of a broader initiative to harness Benue’s agricultural potential. The state is renowned for its production of oranges, mangoes, and other fruits, which have historically faced challenges such as post-harvest losses due to limited processing infrastructure. The factory aims to address these issues by providing a modern facility for value addition, ensuring that farmers can earn more from their produce while meeting the growing demand for processed fruit products.
SONO Group, known for its expertise in agro-processing and industrial management, is expected to bring cutting-edge technology and operational efficiency to the facility. While specific details of the partnership agreement were not disclosed during the press briefing, Dr. Asemakaha assured stakeholders that the collaboration would prioritize local employment and sustainable practices. “This is not just about production; it’s about empowering our people and building a sustainable future for Benue,” he added.
Governor Alia’s administration has been lauded for its proactive approach to economic development, with initiatives aimed at attracting private-sector investment and fostering public-private partnerships. The handover of the juice factory to SONO Group is seen as a testament to the governor’s commitment to transforming Benue into an industrial hub. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with praise for the governor, with many residents expressing hope that the factory will create new opportunities for the state’s youth and farmers.
As the SONO Group begins operations, all eyes are on Benue State to see how this partnership will reshape the local economy. Further details on the factory’s production timeline, job creation targets, and market expansion plans are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
For now, the people of Benue State celebrate this bold step forward, confident that under Governor Alia’s leadership and BIPC’s strategic vision, the state is poised for a brighter, more prosperous future.
