Talks underway with Chinese investors to revive moribund Igumale cement plant – Benue LGA chairman
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Oche Sunday Oche, has disclosed that Chinese investors have initiated discussions with the council on plans to revive the moribund Igumale Cement Company, signalling renewed economic prospects for the area.
Oche, who made this known while appraising the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, attributed the renewed investor interest to the significant improvement in security across the state.
He noted that the cement factory, which had suffered years of abandonment largely due to insecurity, is now attracting attention from foreign investors eager to explore viable opportunities.
According to him, the return of investors to Ado is a direct reflection of the enhanced safety of lives and property.
“Visitors are welcome to Ado anytime. Investors are already coming back because the security situation has improved,” he said.
The council chairman further revealed that over ₦30 billion has been invested in Ado Local Government since he assumed office, a development he credited to the state government’s sustained efforts at restoring peace and driving infrastructural development.
He described Ado as one of the major beneficiaries of Governor Alia’s development agenda, citing extensive investments in road construction, healthcare delivery and security infrastructure.
“I would say Ado is the most favoured local government in Benue State. The investment that has been put into the area since I assumed office is over ₦30 billion,” Oche stated.
Highlighting ongoing projects, he disclosed that the Igumale–Agila Road, valued at over ₦20 billion, is nearing completion, while a separate five-kilometre road network estimated at more than ₦6 billion has been approved and is expected to commence within weeks.
He also referenced the construction of the Ojenyo–Wurukpo–Wurego access road as part of efforts to improve connectivity within the council area.
On security, Oche said his administration had complemented the state government’s initiatives by providing operational vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies, alongside the installation of solar-powered streetlights across several wards to enhance surveillance and deter criminal activities.
He added that his administration had also undertaken the renovation of the local government secretariat, provision of modern office furniture, and installation of solar-powered refrigerators in primary healthcare centres to improve drug storage and service delivery.
The chairman maintained that these interventions have restored confidence among residents and investors, expressing optimism that Ado Local Government would continue to witness increased economic activities in the coming years.
