By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Benue State Government has announced a landmark Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with KAOTHEEM Energy Services and TAICOP Capital Partners to drive education, artificial intelligence, agro-processing, wealth creation, and large-scale employment across the state.

The agreement, facilitated through the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), aims to transform the state’s economy by leveraging technology and agro-industrial innovation.

The proposed initiative will see the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) School at Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST), Ihugh, alongside world-class agro-processing hubs and supporting infrastructure. These developments are expected to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, creating a platform for innovation-driven economic growth.

Speaking at a strategic PPP meeting weekend in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode described the partnership as a turning point for Benue State stressing that a technical committee would be set up to work closely with BIPC to ensure seamless implementation and to deliver tangible outcomes from the collaboration.

The state government highlighted its renewed focus on value addition and agro-industrialization, signaling a shift from traditional agriculture to a more industrialized economic model.

This approach is expected to maximize the state’s abundant agricultural resources while attracting strategic investments.

The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha emphasized the plan to convert Benue’s raw agricultural products into high-value outputs using advanced technologies.

He said the agro-processing hubs would focus on converting yam into flour, processing tomatoes into paste, and expanding soybean value chains, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food security.

He noted that the initiative is projected to create up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, offering employment opportunities across multiple sectors. Investors are expected to bring in cutting-edge technology, infrastructure, and management expertise to unlock the economic potential of the state’s resources.

Chairman of KAOTHEEM Energy Services, Tom Iseghohi, disclosed that the consortium plans to invest $2 billion in the first year, with a 10-year development plan to increase Benue’s GDP tenfold and raise per capita income to $5,000. The project is also expected to generate millions of jobs and boost internal revenue.

State officials noted that linking university research with medium- and large-scale agro-processing industries is critical for sustaining the partnership’s long-term success. The collaboration also aims to attract broadband and other technology infrastructure to support modern industrial activities.

Managing Director of Benagro, Peter Chiese, described the investors as the “right partners at the right time,” emphasizing that the initiative would transform Benue’s vast land resources into viable investment opportunities. The project is also expected to enhance tax revenue and overall economic performance.

The Vice Chancellors of BSUAST and Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University affirmed their institutions’ readiness to host the AI school and contribute to research, innovation, and the state’s technological ambitions.

Commissioners and senior officials attending the meeting highlighted the broader social benefits of the partnership, including improved security, wealth creation, and sustainable economic development. The initiative positions Benue as a model for integrating agriculture, technology, and industrialization in Nigeria.