Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has inspected newly procured equipment for installation at the state-owned rice mill located in Wadata, Makurdi Local Government Area, as part of efforts to revive the facility and stimulate economic growth in the state.
The Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the rice mill, which was constructed during the administration of former military governor Aminu Isa Kontagora, had remained abandoned and non-functional for several years due to neglect by successive administrations.
However, the Alia-led administration has initiated steps to restore the facility to full operation as part of its broader strategy to revitalize small-scale industries and strengthen the state’s economy.
According to the government, the revived mill will be managed by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, with a focus on promoting women’s participation in small-scale businesses and economic activities.
The initiative is aimed at empowering women by creating opportunities for them to engage in productive ventures, thereby contributing to the economic development of Benue State.
Governor Alia expressed confidence that the resuscitation of the rice mill would positively impact the livelihoods of many women and boost the state’s agricultural value chain.
He noted that the project reflects his administration’s commitment to economic transformation, inclusive growth, and the promotion of small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
The governor also urged residents of Benue State to support the initiative and look forward to the benefits that would come with the revival of the state-owned rice mill.
