Gov Ortom beckons on more investors to Benue

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called on more private investors within and outside the country to come to the state to explore the investment opportunities available in the Food Basket State of the nation.

The Governor who made the call today while on a working visit to Pure Biotech Company, a private organisation into Ethanol production said the importance of industries to the economic development of the state and Nigeria could not be overemphasised.

He noted that many youths would be provided with jobs through industries, stressing that such would in turn reduce insecurity occasioned by restiveness and also create wealth along the value chain.

Governor Ortom who accepted the apologies of the company which did not follow laid down government procedures to acquire and develop the land, however urged the management of Pure Biotech to immediately erect a signpost to educate the people about their activities.

The Governor also charged the host community to provide security for the facility, even as he directed security agencies to provide surveillance and patrols to encourage more investors to the State.

Earlier, representative of the company, Mr. Stephen Numbeve, explained that Pure Biotech Company Limited is into Ethanol production with 500 and 300 metric tonnes of fresh and dried cassava respectively daily as raw materials and would take 2,500 persons off the street through employment.

He apologised on behalf of the company for not following due procedures for the acquisition of land and siting of the company, saying they would retrace their steps and fulfil necessary conditions as law abiding citizens.

Mr. Numbeve said the company acquired 25.4 hectares of land for the development of facilities at the company, adding that construction Work on the site commenced in January 2021.

 

By Jimin Geoffrey