By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has concluded plans to enter into a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with KAOTHEEM Energy Services in collaboration with TAICOP Capital Partners to advance education, artificial intelligence, agro-processing, wealth creation and large-scale employment across the state.
The agreement, facilitated by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), will lead to the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) School at Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST), Ihugh, alongside world-class agro-processing hubs and critical supporting infrastructure.
Representing Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia at a strategic PPP meeting held at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, the Deputy Governor, Sam Odeh, described the partnership as a watershed moment for the state.
“Today, no doubt, is a turning point for Benue State,” he said, stressing that the administration is committed to credible and sustainable partnerships that deliver measurable results.
He commended the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Raymond Asemakaha, for championing the initiative and announced the constitution of a technical committee to work closely with BIPC to ensure seamless implementation.
Acknowledging previous disappointments with memoranda of understanding, the Deputy Governor expressed confidence that the new partnership would produce tangible outcomes.
“Today, we have given birth to Benue Rice,” he declared, symbolically underscoring the state’s renewed focus on value addition and agro-industrialisation.
In his welcome address, Dr. Asemakaha said the agreement marks a critical shift as Benue transitions from a largely agrarian economy to an industrial powerhouse in line with Governor Alia’s development vision.
“Our objective is clear: to convert our abundant agricultural produce into high-value products while leveraging cutting-edge technology,” he stated.
He highlighted the collaboration with BSUAST as a strategic bridge between academic research and industrial application, noting that Benue’s strong production base in yam, cassava, maize and soybean presents vast opportunities for technology-driven processing.
According to him, the agro-processing hubs will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security and strengthen export capacity.
The hubs are expected to process yam into flour for both domestic and international markets, convert tomatoes into paste, and expand the state’s soybean value chain currently valued at billions of naira.
The initiative is projected to generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“Benue is open for business. We are not seeking contractors; we are seeking strategic partners who recognise the potential in our soil, resources and people,” Asemakaha added.
Chairman of KAOTHEEM Energy Services, Tom Iseghohi, observed that although Benue’s agricultural strength is widely acknowledged, weak value chains have limited its full potential.
“I am pleased to announce our partnership to develop Benue’s agricultural value chain,” he said, disclosing that the consortium intends to invest $2 billion within the first year without requesting a sovereign guarantee from the state government.
He explained that the 10-year development blueprint aims to grow Benue’s GDP from an estimated $2 billion to $20 billion, raise per capita income to $5,000, and generate millions of jobs.
He added that large-scale job creation would enhance security, boost internally generated revenue, increase VAT inflows and attract broadband and technology infrastructure to the state.
Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Alumo Orpin, described the partnership as timely, emphasizing the need to align university research with medium- and large-scale agro-processing industries.
Managing Director of Benagro, Peter Chiese, said the investors are “the right partners Benue needs at the right time,” adding that the initiative will unlock the state’s vast land resources for sustainable investment.
Chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), Joseph Kwaghba, noted that the project would significantly strengthen tax revenues, GDP performance and per capita income, stressing that its impact would be felt for generations.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of BSUAST, Qrisstuberg Msughter Amua, expressed the university’s readiness to host the AI School and collaborate on research and innovation.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Timothy Terseer Alabar, who was represented at the event, affirmed the institution’s preparedness to partner in advancing Benue’s industrial and technological development agenda.
The multi-sector partnership signals a bold step toward positioning Benue as a hub for agro-industrialisation, artificial intelligence and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
