BIPC Ready to Partner , MD

The Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has expressed readiness to partner with the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Benue State University. According to him, this will go a long way  in creating wealth for the people of the state in line with the agenda of H.E Rev, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

The commitment was made while CEFTER, was presenting activities of the institution to the Management of BIPC at the Company’s corporate headquarters in Makurdi with the aim to end post-harvest losses in the state. The leader of the delegation, Professor Barnabas Ikyo during his presentation outlined so many viable opportunities in food production that BIPC can key into and create a brand for the Company.

He said, the research institution has proposed to undertake ten mini factories sponsored by the World Bank where oranges, mangos, casava, yams, tomatoes, rice, etc. can be processed.

Ikyo explained that when launched in April, the centre will produce many consumables and beverages, such as biscuits, tomatoes, pepper paste and water.

The Director particularly requested BIPC partnership in the production of wine, craft beer, and processing of mango, pineapple, sorgun, lemon, and other agriculture crops produced in the state.

According to him, the institute is setting up a controlled-atmosphere storage facility and a dryer to store fruits and vegetables produced in the state.

Responding, the Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakah said, “BIPC is ready to partner because Benue State has a peculiar problem of unemployment, which is about 4.7 million youths. We’re sitting on a time bomb that will soon explode, so we are doing everything to make sure we engage in ventures that will add value to the state and create jobs for our teeming youths.”

The Managing Director emphasized that if post-harvest losses are controlled, farmers will have value for their farm produce and prevent capital flight.

“If we control post-harvest losses, we will stop capital flight, allow our farmers to have value for their goods, and give the right revenue to our state.

“It is a good business; Bipc will visit the plant. We need to up our game in Benue, so we’re interested in investing in wine and craft beer processing.” The MD added.