BIPC, U.S. FIRM MOVE TO REAWAKEN IKOGEN CATTLE RANCH, IKWE WILDLIFE PARK

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 follows an inspection tour of the two facilities led by the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, alongside the President of Vallejo Services, Mr. Oracio Vallejo, Board Chairman and Management Staff of BIPC.

Speaking during the tour, Dr. Asemakaha said the proposed reawakening of the ranch and wildlife park would unlock the state's economic potential, particularly through commercial livestock production and daily milk processing for residents.

He explained that BIPC and Vallejo Services are considering a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to restore the facilities to full operation.

"We brought investors here today to see the beautiful things that we have and reawaken the dormant investments that we have. From the discussions we have had, it is something that can commence immediately. If we are producing milk from animals that will be reared here and have this ranch functional, certainly our economy will 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, reaffirming 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 through the proposed PPP arrangement to maximize their economic value for the benefit of Benue State.

Also speaking, the Chairman of BIPC Board, Chief Lady 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, assuring that the ranch and wildlife park would be revitalized in line with the development vision of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, creating new opportunities for economic growth, tourism, agriculture, and employment across the state.