Benue: Taraku Mills begins first phase of test production

Taraku Mills Limited in Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State has commenced the first phase of its test production, marking a significant step towards the revival of the once-dormant industrial facility.

The Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Dr Raymond Asemakaha, who spoke during the exercise, described the test run as a significant step towards bringing the factory back to life.

Asemakaha expressed appreciation to the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, for his commitment to reviving moribund industries in the state.

According to him, the administration is determined to take charge of dormant industries and restore them to productive use. “We must take charge of moribund industries. We are ensuring that the dead balance sheet has come back to life,” he said.

The BIPC GMD explained that the ongoing test run was aimed at ensuring that Taraku Mills resumes production and begins supplying locally produced vegetable oil to the people of Benue.

“Today’s exercise is done to ensure that our oil comes back before the end of this year, and I am assuring that the people of Benue will soon have the oil,” Asemakaha said.

He added that the revival of the factory would also create a ready market for agricultural produce and improve the economic value of crops produced by farmers in the state.

“Very soon our farmers will have value for their crops, as can be seen in the orange market,” he said, noting that farmers were already recording improved returns from their produce.

Asemakaha further assured that the state government would continue efforts to revive other dormant factories across Benue to promote job creation and industrial development.

The Plant Manager of Taraku Mills, Engineer James Terngu Ikyuve, disclosed that the factory had received 300 metric tonnes of soybeans for the test run.

He explained that the soybeans had commenced the purification process, which would be followed by crushing, oil extraction and refining.

According to Ikyuve, the factory is currently testing production at a rate of 50 metric tonnes per day to gradually return the machinery to its full production capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day.

He assured that the factory would begin providing locally produced vegetable oil for use by the people of Benue before the end of October.

The Lead Consultant to Taraku Mills, Saleh Mansur, commended Governor Alia for his administration’s commitment to reviving the factory.

Mansur expressed optimism that the process would soon restore the production of the “golden oil” for which Taraku Mills was known.

Also speaking, a youth leader and worker at the factory, Iortuhwa Moses, expressed the appreciation of the host community to Governor Alia for the revival of Taraku Mills.

He said the return of the factory to production would provide employment opportunities and stimulate economic activities within the community and beyond.