The Benue State Government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rexzodeneh Group Limited for the development of the Otukpo National Food City Complex.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Moses Ogbaji, said that the project would improve food security and promote agricultural development.

Mr Ogbaji expressed confidence that the project would be implemented with seriousness and commitment.

The commissioner said that the project was located at Ogyoma Community, Akpa District of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), adding that the government expected tangible benefits to accrue to its people.

He warned against using the project as a means of acquiring loans unnecessarily with uncertainty.

He stated, “I have signed a lot of MoUs since I came on board; some used it only to collect loans and go back. Your case will not be like that in Jesus’ name. We will sanction you if you repeat the same. We expect concrete actions on this; we are serious and not joking about it.’’

The Executive Secretary, Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), Terhemen Gbenkaan, said the project was genuine and well-known to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr Gbenkaan said that the National Food City Complex was originally planned to be established in Otukpo and extended to other local government areas.

According to him, the project is to promote food production, processing, and storage as well as provide a platform for farmers, processors, and other stakeholders to access markets and services.

He said, “This MoU signing is the first between government and the private sector, which demonstrates the government’s commitment to development for the people.’’

He explained that a thorough due diligence process was conducted, including sending the project documents to 13 ministries, departments, agencies and MDAs for expert advice, and it all received positive responses.

Commenting, the Managing Director of Rexzodeneh Group Limited, Femi Apata, said the company was prepared and determined to make Benue State a hub for food production and processing.

He stated, “People will no longer need to travel to other places for finished food products; instead, they’ll be coming to Benue State as the food basket of the nation. I believe that our gathering today will mark the beginning of a new era in Benue State’s agricultural development. By the grace of God, within the next 60 days, we’ll be celebrating milestones achieved on the ground, not just in theory.’’

(NAN)