Benue State Government is set to create over 20,000 jobs following the attraction of a $250 million National Food City Complex project to the Ojoma-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The investment was earlier disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), Dr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, during a courtesy visit to the Och’Idoma palace in Otukpo on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. He said the project reflects the state government’s commitment to driving large-scale investments that can generate employment and strengthen food production.
Dr. Kpenkaan explained that the project, tagged National Food City Complex, is expected to provide a permanent response to prevailing security challenges by engaging youths in productive activities. According to him, Governor Hyacinth Alia wants Benue to become the “Food Basket of Africa” through mechanised agriculture that supports farming, processing, storage and distribution.
Responding on behalf of the paramount ruler, the first class Chief of Otukpo-Ohimini, HRH Emmanuel Okochi, thanked the governor for choosing their land for the project. He appreciated what the administration was doing for the state and pledged the cooperation and backing of the traditional institution, not only for the project but for all government efforts aimed at development.
Also speaking at the community centre, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, encouraged residents to take ownership of the project. He told the community that their future was in their own hands and depended on how they handled the opportunity, urging them to act responsibly and peacefully.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, represented by Adum Awav, urged the community to form a land committee and organise themselves properly. He said clear coordination would help avoid confusion as the project progresses and ensure smooth implementation.
Consultant on the project, Dr. Shima Adum, charged the youth to prepare for the days ahead, noting that many jobs would be available when the project finally starts. He advised young people to position themselves to benefit from the opportunities that would come with the investment.
In his address, the Operations Manager of the foreign investor, Rexzodeneh Group Limited (RGL), Abusafiah Ramzi, said Benue would not only become the food basket of Africa but of the world. He said the company would not only invest in agriculture but also provide education, healthcare, roads and security in host communities.
Ramzi pledged the commitment of the company to work with the community to make the world hear about Benue State, describing the project as an answered prayer of the community. The lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa, Hon. Kennedy Angbo, thanked Governor Alia for locating the project in his constituency and expressed joy that he was towing the path of his late father after 30 years.
Other speakers, including youth leader Comrade Ondoma Ikam, representative of the All Farmers Association, Ogah Emmanuel, and Ene Eimonye for Zone C women, expressed happiness over the project and pledged their support. Community elders later carried out a symbolic handover of the land to the investors, witnessed by the two commissioners, other top government functionaries and community members.
In the latest development, Executive Secretary of BENIPA, Dr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, led a state government delegation alongside members of the investor consortium to Onyoma community in Akpar District of Otwe Local Government Area. They were received by traditional leaders, chiefs and residents of the community.
Addressing the gathering, he charged the host community to ensure the safety of foreign workers and the entire project. He conveyed the governor’s message, saying, “When the governor came to you seeking land for this project, you gladly obliged him. He asked me to thank you.” He said the availability of land had given investors confidence to take over the site and identify locations for camps and project offices.
He announced that within one to two weeks, equipment would be moved to the site and work would begin with clearing and paving access roads to allow heavy equipment reach the main project area. He urged the community to sustain its commitment, especially as foreign workers would be involved.
He asked for assurances on security, saying the governor believed the community’s support meant his presence. He added that the project would bring healthcare upgrades, education facilities and other benefits. “Do we have a clinic here? We will make it a hospital. Do we have a secondary school? We will get,” he said.
He noted that up to 3,000 youths in the community could benefit, with transportation provided to the site. He said there would be immediate engagement of 1,000 youths in security and the creation of over 20,000 jobs overall. He added that local farmers would benefit as RGL would buy their produce for mechanised processing.
The official handing over of the land title deed to RGL was conducted on site. Benue is one of six states selected for the National Food City Complex and the first to kick-start implementation, including the training of 1,000 youths in security.
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