Governor Alia Reaffirms Commitment to Industrializing Benue, Inspects Taraku Mills Rehabilitation

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to industrialize Benue State, expressing confidence that Taraku Mills will soon commence production following ongoing rehabilitation works at the facility.

The Governor stated this recently when he led a delegation of the Benue State Government on an inspection tour of the maintenance works at Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area. Speaking after inspecting the facility, Governor Alia expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, noting that the level of work done was encouraging and in line with the earlier projection for the commencement of production.

He called on farmers across the state, particularly those cultivating soybeans, maize, and groundnuts, to increase production in readiness to supply the factory with adequate raw materials once test-running is completed and full operations begin. The Governor explained that the revival of the mill would create a strong value chain around soybeans and maize, stimulate agricultural activities, generate employment, and further strengthen the state’s economy.

Governor Alia commended the team of engineers handling the maintenance works for their dedication and professionalism, while also appreciating the people of Taraku for safeguarding the factory against vandalism and theft. He described members of the host community as disciplined, responsible, and committed to the success of the project.

Earlier, the lead engineer overseeing the rehabilitation, Engr. James Ikyurve, informed the Governor that the maintenance exercise was nearing completion and assured him that the timeline set for the commencement of production would be achieved. Several machines whose maintenance had been completed were powered on during the inspection as evidence of significant progress.

The development underscores the Alia administration’s focus on reviving key industries to drive economic transformation in Benue State.