The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has begun talks with United States-based Vallejo Services of Texas to revive the abandoned Ikyogen Cattle Ranch in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) and the Ikwe Wildlife Park in Gwer East LGA.
This follows an inspection tour of the two facilities by Dr Raymond Asemakaha, Group Managing Director of BIPC, alongside members of the BIPC Board, management team and the President of Vallejo Services, Mr Oracio Vallejo, as part of efforts to boost economic development in Benue State.
Dr Asemakaha said restoring the two state-owned assets would unlock significant economic opportunities, particularly in livestock production, dairy processing, tourism, and job creation.
He disclosed that BIPC and Vallejo Services were considering a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to bring the facilities back into full operation.
According to Dr Asemakaha, the inspection was aimed at giving prospective investors firsthand knowledge of the enormous investment opportunities available in Benue. He expressed optimism that discussions with the U.S. firm would translate into immediate action, noting that a functional cattle ranch would support commercial milk production, strengthen the agricultural value chain, and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
The BIPC GMD commended Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of the state, for creating an enabling environment for investment and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing the administration’s vision of repositioning Benue’s economy through strategic partnerships and the revival of dormant state assets.
Meanwhile, Mr Vallejo has expressed his company’s readiness to invest through the proposed PPP framework, saying the partnership would help maximise the economic value of both projects for the benefit of the people of Benue State.
