Benue Eyes Economic Boost as Ikogen Ranch, Ikwe Park Set for Revival

By Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has begun discussions with United States-based Vallejo Services of Texas to revive the dormant Ikogen Cattle Ranch in Kwande Local Government Area and the Ikwe Wildlife Park in Gwer East Local Government Area as part of efforts to drive economic growth in Benue State.

The move followed an inspection tour of the two facilities led by the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, alongside the President of Vallejo Services, Mr. Oracio Vallejo, as well as the BIPC Board Chairman and management team.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Asemakaha said reviving the ranch and wildlife park would unlock the state’s economic potential through commercial livestock production and daily milk processing for residents. He disclosed that BIPC and Vallejo Services are exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to restore both facilities to full operation.
“We brought investors here today to see the beautiful things that we have and reawaken the dormant investments that we have. From the discussions we have had, it is something that can commence immediately. If we are producing milk from animals that will be reared here and have this ranch functional, certainly our economy will grow,” he said.
Dr. Asemakaha also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing the vision and support needed to attract strategic investments into the state, reaffirming BIPC’s commitment to driving Benue’s economic transformation.
President of Vallejo Services, Mr. Oracio Vallejo, expressed readiness to partner with BIPC, describing the Ikogen Cattle Ranch and Ikwe Wildlife Park as facilities with significant investment potential. He said the company was committed to investing in the projects through the proposed PPP arrangement to maximize their economic value for the benefit of Benue State.
Also speaking, Chairman of the BIPC Board, Chief Lady Elizabeth Shuluwa, pledged the board’s support for policies that would enable the company to operate efficiently and attract sustainable investments. She welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed confidence that the ranch and wildlife park would be revitalized in line with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s development vision, creating opportunities for economic growth, tourism, agriculture, and employment across the state.