By Ken Kene, Makurdi

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, BIPC, has commenced discussions with United States-based Vallejo Services of Texas to revive the dormant Ikogen Cattle Ranch in Kwande Local Government Area and the Ikwe Wildlife Park in Gwer East Local Government Area, as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth in Benue State.

The initiative followed an inspection tour of the two facilities led by the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, alongside the President of Vallejo Services, Mr. Oracio Vallejo, the BIPC Board Chairman, and members of the company’s management team.

Speaking during the tour, Dr. Asemakaha said the proposed reactivation of the ranch and wildlife park would unlock the state’s economic potential, particularly through commercial livestock production and daily milk processing for both local and export markets.

He explained that BIPC and Vallejo Services are considering a Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement to restore the facilities to full operational status with a focus on dairy production.

“We brought investors here today to see the beautiful assets that we have and to reawaken dormant investments. From the discussions we have had, work on this can commence immediately. If we are producing milk from animals reared here and the ranch becomes fully functional, our economy will certainly grow,” he said.

The BIPC boss also commended Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for providing the vision and support needed to attract strategic investments into the state, and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving Benue’s economic transformation.

President of Vallejo Services, Mr. Oracio Vallejo, expressed readiness to partner with BIPC, describing both the Ikogen Cattle Ranch and Ikwe Wildlife Park as assets with enormous investment potential.

He said his company was committed to investing in the facilities under the proposed PPP arrangement to maximize their economic value for the benefit of Benue State.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the BIPC Board, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Shuluwa, pledged the board’s support for policies that would enable the company to function efficiently and attract sustainable investments.

Chief Shuluwa expressed delight over the planned partnership and assured that the ranch and wildlife park would be revitalized in line with the development vision of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

She said the project would create new opportunities in economic growth, tourism, agriculture, and employment across the state.