BIPC partners BSSIPA to reduce poverty in Benue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited, (BIPC), said it is collaborating with the Benue State Social Investment Programme Agency, (BSSIPA), to reduce the poverty rate in Benue.

The Managing Director of the company, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, disclosed the partnership when he received, on courtesy, the Director General of BSSIPA, Mrs. Doris Iyo, at the headquarters of the company in Makurdi.

Asemakaha explained that, as a company, his management was ready to collaborate with other agencies to make sure that the people of the state derive economic prosperity which is in line with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration of reducing the high rate of poverty in the state.

He said, “For us as BIPC, we are willing to be the economic drivers of the state, so anything that would ensure the economic prosperity of our people, we are ready for it. So I am ready to work in synergy with people, organisations, and agencies like yours to ensure that we reduce poverty amongst our people and stabilize the economy.”

He highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure the reduction of poverty, including the recently launched BIPC Ventures Capital Funds and Benue Local Investors Forum, adding that more plans are underway to help people participate in the economy.

Earlier, the Director General of BSSIPA, Mrs. Doris Iyo, appealed to the company to partner with the agency in the expansion of the Home Grown School Programme to cover nursery classes and primary grades 4-6 that are not captured in the National Social Investment Programme.

Mrs. Iyo also requested the establishment of a cash transfer scheme to provide monthly stipends for vulnerable people and the introduction of a loan scheme for farmers, artisans, market women, and small enterprises.

“To achieve this, we require the support of well-meaning individuals and organisations like BIPC.

“Your support may be in the form of direct cash support or sponsorship through the corporate social responsibility of your company.” Mrs. Iyo noted.