Governor Alia’s Support Boosts BIPC’s Empowerment Initiatives for IDPs and Refugees

The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), under the proactive leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, has taken a significant step forward in empowering Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees. BIPC recently presented a signed Proof of Concept (PoC) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), outlining its innovative entrepreneurship and employment initiatives designed to create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations in Benue State.

Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director and CEO of BIPC, presented the PoC during a visit from UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Raouf Mazou, and German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Annett Günther, at the company’s water and bread factories in Makurdi. The PoC details BIPC’s comprehensive plans to expand its business ventures, including a bakery, water factory, Emperor Fertilizer, Agro-Commodities hub, and the soon-to-be-launched Benfruits factory.

Governor Alia’s administration has been instrumental in supporting these innovative initiatives, which aim to reduce unemployment among displaced persons by creating over 50,000 direct jobs, impacting more than 80,000 families. The MD highlighted the company’s other upcoming projects, such as a Normal Saline factory, Food Basket Beer factory, and various manufacturing facilities, all designed to foster economic growth and provide critical support to IDPs and refugees.

The UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner praised BIPC for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to improving the lives of displaced individuals, particularly lauding the economic support provided to Cameroonian refugees in Kwande local government area. He assured that the UNHCR would continue to support BIPC through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), furthering the company’s efforts to create sustainable programs in line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR).

Refugees and IDPs, including beneficiaries like Comfort Oya, Blessing Anyiman, and Nicholas Ukeyima, expressed deep gratitude for the life-changing skills and opportunities they have gained through BIPC’s initiatives, which are making a tangible difference in their lives under Governor Alia’s leadership.