By Amos Aar
THE BENUE Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPCL) has inaugurated a new bakery in Gboko, marking another step in its ongoing efforts to promote industrial growth and expand job opportunities across Benue State.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Group Managing Director of BIPCL, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, noted that the newly established bakery would stimulate commercial activity within Gboko and its environs, provide direct and indirect employment for residents, and help stabilize the prices of staple goods such as bread and water.
He further disclosed that similar facilities were being planned for Otukpo, in Benue South Senatorial District, to replicate the same economic gains in other parts of the state.
Asemakaha stated that BIPCL was committed to reviving dormant state-owned enterprises, including the Wannune Tomato Factory, and exploring modalities to restore Dangote Cement to Benue ownership for the collective benefit of the people. He urged citizens to continue supporting the Alia administration’s economic recovery and industrialization agenda.
Representing the Tor Tiv, His Majesty Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, the Tor Jemgbagh, HRH Afatyo Ajoko, praised Governor Alia for what he described as a transformational approach to economic development. He encouraged the people of Gboko to take ownership of the project, safeguard the facility, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Alumo Orpin, commended the management of BIPCL for translating government policies into tangible results, assuring that the ministry would continue to collaborate with the company to drive industrial expansion and job creation.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the BIPCL Board, Chief Lady Elizabeth Shuluwa, lauded the state government for its efforts toward economic stability and pledged that the board would continue to provide strategic guidance to enhance productivity and innovation.
In a goodwill messages, the Ter Gboko, HRH Gabriel Shosum, alongside the APC Woman Leader, Chief Mrs. Lydia Agaigbe, and the APC Youth Leader for Gboko, pledged community support to protect and sustain the project as a collective asset.
Other senior executives of the company, including Lucy Jato, General Manager, Real Estate and Infrastructure; Josephat Ioryoosu, Esq., Company Secretary; and Theresa Abeda, Head of Business Development and Strategy, said the bakery initiative was conceived to promote local enterprise and increase Benue’s internally generated revenue.
