By Daniel Aondoaseer Zendesha 

The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has announced plans to restore the historic Ikyogen Cattle Ranch in Kwande Local Government Area and the Ikwe Wildlife Park in Gwer East through a proposed public-private partnership with Texas-based Vallejo Services, marking a renewed effort to revive two of Benue State's long-neglected public assets.

The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) says it has commenced strategic efforts to rehabilitate the Ikyogen Cattle Ranch and Ikwe Wildlife Park in partnership with United States-based Vallejo Services of Texas.

The initiative followed a joint inspection tour of both facilities led by BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Vallejo Services President Mr. Oracio Vallejo, BIPC Board Chairman Chief Lady Elizabeth Shuluwa, and senior management officials.

According to BIPC, the proposed redevelopment will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the objective of restoring commercial livestock production, dairy processing and eco-tourism activities at the facilities.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Asemakaha said the state possesses significant but underutilised assets capable of stimulating economic growth.

"We brought investors here today to see the beautiful things that we have and reawaken the dormant investments that we have. From the discussions we have had, it is something that can commence immediately. If we are producing milk from animals that will be reared here and have this ranch functional, certainly our economy will grow."

He also credited Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for creating an enabling environment to attract investors into the state.

Mr. Oracio Vallejo said his company was prepared to invest in both facilities, describing them as valuable economic assets with strong long-term potential.

Chief Lady Elizabeth Shuluwa assured that the BIPC Board would support policies necessary for implementing the project, expressing confidence that the redevelopment could generate employment, stimulate local commerce and strengthen Benue's agricultural and tourism sectors.

The Ikyogen Cattle Ranch was established around 1982/1983 during the administration of the late Governor Aper Aku.

Located in Kwande Local Government Area, the ranch covers approximately 13,000 hectares of rolling hills, valleys and grasslands.

The facility was originally conceived to:
Improve livestock breeding and dairy production.

Promote eco-tourism through its unique landscape and cool climate.

Create employment and stimulate rural economic development.

Following the military takeover that ended the Aku administration in late 1983, the ranch experienced prolonged neglect, declining investment and deteriorating infrastructure.