_High-Powered Delegation Visits Site as Benue State Government Intensifies Industrialisation Drive in Zone C_
The Benue State Government has commenced concrete steps towards the revitalisation of the moribund Star Cement Factory in Igumale, Ado Local Government Area, as part of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s commitment to revamp moribund state-owned industries and boost economic growth in the state.
The renewed push followed proactive advocacy by the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Council, Engr. Sunny Oche, who identified the factory as a priority project for immediate government intervention upon assumption of office. In August 2025, in response to the Chairman’s request, Governor Alia deployed a team of Chinese Geophysicists to conduct feasibility and environmental impact assessment studies at the factory site.
To further drive the process, the Governor has deployed a high-powered delegation to Igumale led by the Deputy Governor, Chief Barr. Dr Sam Ode, MNI. Members of the delegation included the Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha Jr., who oversees state industrialisation projects; Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, APC Senatorial Aspirant, Benue South; Hon. Anthony Agom, Member, Benue State House of Assembly representing Okpokwu and APC Flagbearer for the 2027 House of Reps Elections; and Hon. Mathew Ugwuru, Governor’s Liaison Officer (GLO) for Ado LGA. They were received by the Chairman of Ado LGA, Engr. Sunny Oche, the Leader of the Ado Legislative Council, Hon. Agbo Adadu, and members of the Ado Traditional Council.
In his welcome address, Engr. Oche expressed appreciation to Governor Alia and the Deputy Governor for prioritising Ado LGA, noting that the local government had not received such assurance from previous administrations. He stated that the revamping of the Star Cement Factory has long been the aspiration of the people of Ado and assured that adequate security would be provided for the project through the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, (Anyam Nyor), which has Ado as its operational base for Zone C, in collaboration with the Joint Task Force, “Operation Whirl Stroke”, which he said, share fences with the factory site.
The Council Chairman further disclosed that supporting infrastructure is already in place, including the ongoing reconstruction of the Igumale-Agila road which passes 500 meters close to the quarry and factory site, and the 33KVA power line to guarantee stable electricity for industrial operations. He confirmed that the Office of the Deputy Governor has been mandated to coordinate the revitalisation of the factory.
Delivering the Governor’s message, the Deputy Governor, Chief Barr. Dr Sam Ode, MNI, stated that the administration plans to revamp not only the Star Cement Factory but all moribund government-owned industries across Benue State, with Zone C now receiving priority attention.
He described the Star Cement Factory as a strategic asset that cannot be neglected, given its location in an area with abundant raw materials and its potential to drive industrialization and employment.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha Jr., assured that the project would be completed during Governor Alia’s second term. He added that designated government officials would be deployed to Ado LGA to ensure close supervision and timely execution of the project.
Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo commended the Governor’s grassroots economic agenda and urged stakeholders to sustain support for the administration to enable it complete ongoing projects. Calling on the electorate to support Fr. Alia’s bid for a second term against all odds.
As part of activities to mark the visit, Engr. Sunny Oche showcased state-owned processed goods including Fr. Alia Bread, Oyi Bitters, and Zeva Beverage. The exhibition is in line with the Governor’s “produce what we consume and consume what we produce” policy aimed at moving Benue from a consumer to a production economy, supporting local farmers, and adding value to agricultural produce.
The Chairman noted that this move comes on the heels of the Governor’s effort to reconstruct the Government College Utonkon into a Government Technical College, with work already ongoing. He stated further that the comprehensive overhaul of the Star Cement Factory holds immense potential for large-scale job creation, industrial growth, increased commercial activity, and improved Internally Generated Revenue for both Benue State and Ado Local Government Area.
Signed,
Innocent Igelle, cLMiH, mPPSN, MCAI
Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman
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