As part of efforts geared towards developing the agricultural sector, the Benue State Government has signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the Rexzodeneh Group Limited for the establishment of National Food City Complex for Mechanized Farming in the state.
Speaking Tuesday at Government House, Makurdi during the signing ceremony, Prof. Moses Ogbaji said the State Government has liberal agricultural policies that would attract more investors and expressed hope that the MOU would be actualized in line with the vision of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.
On his part, Benue State Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transportation, Barrister Omale Omale, maintained that the MOU would help address food insecurity in Benue State saying the necessary steps would be taken to ensure the actualization of the project for the benefit of humanity even as he expressed hope that the company would make power available for the food processing industries to strive.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Investment Promotion Agency, Johnpaul Kpenkaan who convened the meeting stated that the project would contribute to increased food production and create about fifteen thousand direct job opportunities for the people.
According to Kpenkaan, the complex which is to be financed, built and operated for twenty five years before being handed over to the State Government was expected to commence in Otukpo.
He further assured that a Technical Committee will be set up to facilitate the process of ensuring the success of the Project.
Earlier while making a presentation, the Managing Director of Rexodeneh Group Limited, Engineer Femi Apatta said the Organization was capable of attracting adequate funds to the state for the establishment of primary production centres on soyabean, maize, Rice, cassava and sorghum as well as introduction of irrigation for a year round farming.
Engineer Apatta disclosed that already, the company has identified sites in Otukpo and Vandeikya Local Government Areas where about three thousand hecters of land would be used for mechanized farming, employing ten thousand members of the Vigilante Group to ensure security of the company and also train youths on security surveillance.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rexzodeneh Group Limited, Danyaro Sarpiya signed the MOU on behalf of his company while the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Moses Ogbaji signed on behalf of the Benue State Government.
