By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government for the implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Productive Community (SIPC) program.
A statement by Chief Solomon Iorpev,
Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication said, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, led the state delegation to the Ministry of Finance, where the Honorable Minister of State, Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, signed the documents on behalf of the Federal Government.
The program which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and increase its viability has Benue as one of the two pilot states alongside Niger for the SIPC take off program.
The statement explained that “SIPC is a Federal Government project designed to provide better conditions for farmers to thrive, including solar powered housing, seedlings, inputs like fertilizers and herbicides, and off-takers who convert produce to secondary products”.
Governor Alia pledged to provide 100 hectares of land across the state for the program, stating that it aligns with his vision to make farming viable, attractive, and Benue State the Agricultural hub of Africa.
When fully operational, the SIPC will close up the housing deficit in the state, provide free farm seedlings and inputs for Benue farmers, facilitate conversion of produce to secondary products thus eradicating post harvest losses, make farming more viable and attractive thus increasing food security.
“The SIPC will also, and very importantly, assist in resetting willing IDPs within the safe farming communities”.
The SIPC program is domiciled with the Ministry Of Finance Incorporated which holds majority shares in the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund to fund investments.
