Benue, Rexzodeneh Group sign MoU to build Otukpo Food City Complex

The Benue State Government has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rexzodeneh Group Limited for the development of the Otukpo National Food City Complex, with the aim of boosting food security and advancing agricultural development in the region.

Prof. Moses Ogbaji, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the importance of the project in transforming food production, processing, and storage, as well as creating opportunities for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders to access markets and services.

“We expect concrete actions on this project. We are serious, and we will not tolerate any delays or misuse of this initiative. The government expects tangible benefits for our people,” said Mr. Ogbaji, underscoring his commitment to ensuring the project’s success.

Located at Ogyoma Community in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), the Food City Complex is poised to become a key player in the state’s agricultural landscape. The commissioner warned against the use of such projects as a means to secure loans with no follow-through, stating that previous MoUs had been misused for such purposes. He assured the public that this time, the focus would be on real, tangible progress.

The Executive Secretary of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), Terhemen Gbenkaan, expressed confidence in the project’s potential, noting that it was well-known to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and had received positive feedback after undergoing extensive due diligence involving multiple government departments.

“The signing of this MoU is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to advancing development in Benue. We are not only securing investments but also securing the future of our people,” Mr. Gbenkaan said.

Femi Apata, the Managing Director of Rexzodeneh Group Limited, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to making Benue State the food basket of the nation. He promised rapid progress, stating, “Within the next 60 days, we will be celebrating real milestones on the ground, not just theoretical plans.”

The project is expected to provide a major boost to food production and processing in the state, ensuring that finished food products are available locally, reducing the need for residents to travel elsewhere for such goods.