GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Wednesday urged investors to patronise products made in Benue to boost the local economy.
Alia made this appeal at the two-day ‘Made in Benue Products Exhibition 2025’ in Makurdi.
He called on the Federal Government, corporate bodies, and public-spirited individuals to support and encourage Benue innovators.
“Investing in local enterprises is not only an investment in economic prosperity but also a commitment to empowering communities, reducing unemployment, and fostering self-reliance.
“Let us promote what is made in Benue, patronise our own, and help build industries that will sustain our economy for generations to come,” the governor said.
He said industrialisation was the third agenda in his administration’s blueprint, adding that he was committed to repositioning Benue as an economic powerhouse.
However, Alia regretted inheriting a state filled with moribund industries, where once-thriving factories and businesses had succumbed to years of neglect, policy inconsistencies, and infrastructural decay.
His ultimate goal, he said, was not merely revamping existing structures but laying the foundation for sustainable industrial growth that would stand the test of time.
In collaboration with the World Bank, his administration introduced the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) initiative. This has provided direct support to over 5,000 SMEs across the state.
“Today’s exhibition is not just an event. It is a powerful statement about the potential and creativity of our people.
“It is an opportunity to showcase the talents and innovations of Benue people and bring their products to public attention,” he said.
The governor noted that the exhibition provided encouragement to producers and exposed them to sponsors, investors, and larger markets.
“One remarkable aspect of this event is that most of the exhibited items have been produced using local raw materials.
“This underscores the enormous potential we have in harnessing our resources to build a sustainable industrial base,” he said.
He stated that with the right support, Benue entrepreneurs could compete favourably in national and international markets.
Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting local innovation and industrialisation through access to funding and incentives for MSMEs to expand and improve product quality.
Earlier, Benita Shuluwa, Director General, Bureau of Entrepreneurship & Wealth Creation, said innovation, invention, and entrepreneurship were the bedrock of economic growth, technological advancement, and industrial expansion.
Shuluwa noted that Benue, as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” had distinct characteristics that made it ideal for industrialisation.
“The immense potential for industrialisation and wealth creation in Benue State spans various sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, technology, manufacturing, solid minerals, culture, and tourism,” she said.
She emphasised that synergy between invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship was crucial to harnessing the state’s unique industrial potential.
“Developing new technologies, machinery, and production techniques, such as agricultural mechanisation, renewable energy solutions, and mineral processing, will drive enhanced industrialisation,” she added. (NAN)
