By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Taraku Mills Limited, which went moribund for more than three decades, is set to resume production in the next few days.
This is part of efforts by the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to reposition the state by reviving moribund industries.
Managing Director (MD) of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, who disclosed this during an inspection visit to Taraku Mills in Gwer Local Government Area, revealed that at least one production plant would become operational within the next few days, explaining that the remaining plants would be activated in phases.
The BIPC boss noted that the Alia administration remained committed to revitalizing all moribund state-owned enterprises to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and boost industrial development in the state.
Urging Benue farmers to increase the cultivation of soybeans, Dr. Asemakaha assured that Taraku Mills would serve as a ready offtaker of their produce when operations commence and appreciated Taraku community for safeguarding the factory and other public assets over the years.
In his comment on behalf of the foreign technical experts, Engr. Adiloson Neres Da Silva disclosed that the factory was established in 1989, saying that, though moribund, the equipment remained in remarkably good condition.
He assured that the factory would begin production immediately the machines are powered, with minimal technical intervention required, insisting that one of the production plants would commence operations within a month.
Another member of the technical team who also spoke, Engr. Henry Boager, explained that following a comprehensive inspection of the facility and its equipment, the major task was the installation and configuration of the Programmable Logic Control (PLC) system, which serves as the automation hub of the factory, assuring that once the software integration is completed, the machines would be fully automated and ready for production.
Head of the team handling equipment maintenance, Engr. James Terngu Ikyurve, in his remarks, affirmed that the machines remained in good working condition and would function efficiently once electricity is restored, adding that they have not become obsolete.
Traditional ruler of the host community, the Kindred Head of Mbawergba, Chief John Igbabul, expressed gratitude to God and Gov. Alia for the resolve to revive the long-abandoned factory, noting with optimism that the resumption of production at Taraku Mills would definitely impact on the people of the area as it would create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of the state.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Asemakaha (l, front row), foreign technical experts and others, during the inspection tour.
