By Ayo Oyoze Baje
Quote:
“Our goal is to make Plateau a business hub for ventures like this. Once we meet local demand, we can expand beyond the state and even beyond the country,”
-Gov. Mutfwang of Plateau state ( While commissioning Benybite Foods Nigeria Ltd )
The significant role which the pragmatic practicalization of the value chain of processing, preservation, packaging and marketing add to available raw materials brings to light the dreams of industrialization which boosts the economy of the country concerned. Sadly, over the decades, especially from the ’60s and ’70s to this day lack or inadequate projects with regards to breathing life into our God-given potentials has worsened the dependency syndrome. That is more so as we keep importing the finished products of what we are truly blessed with in abundance at high costs.
Name them, from cocoa, coffee, cotton, cashew to oil and gas Nigeria has been at the receiving end, or dumping ground of what we should be processing and selling to the world. So, we are nothing short of being grateful to highly determined Nigerians who have kept pushing ahead with passion, perseverance, character and commitment against all odds, as solution-providers.
Interestingly, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Benybite Foods Nigeria Limited, Mr. Benjamin Kayode-Ojo happens to be one of such game – changers. Precisely on July 8, 2025 the Executive Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, commissioned the ultra-modern maize milling plant of Benybite Foods Nigeria Limited, located in Jos, the Plateau State capital. According to Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor the event drew top government functionaries and key industry stakeholders. In fact, it marked a major milestone in the governor’s commitment to promoting agro-processing, job creation, and economic growth across the state.
Worthy of note is that while dressing the gathering, Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to resuscitate ailing industries and make Plateau a hub for agro-industrial activities.
“We want to revive all the ailing industries in the state. That’s why we’ve reached out to Rescue Mill, which is currently on the brink of collapse. Our goal is to make Plateau a business hub for ventures like this. Once we meet local demand, we can expand beyond the state and even beyond the country,” he stated
Furthermore, the governor commended the management of Benybite Foods Nigeria Ltd. for their bold investment, which he described as a catalyst for economic transformation. He assured the company of continued government support, noting that the initiative aligns seamlessly with his administration’s vision to transform Plateau into a leading industrial and agricultural state.
On the need for stable electricity and infrastructure to support industrialization, the Mutfwang restated his administration’s resolute commitment to energy sufficiency and improved transportation networks. Going further, he expressed optimism that the recently inaugurated Plateau Energy Commission, led by Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, and the State Energy Corporation under his leadership, will deliver sustainable and tangible outcomes to power industries across the state.
With regards to what stands Benybite Foods Nigeria Limited, out in good stead Kayode-Ojo, described the factory as the largest of its kind in Plateau state and the second most advanced food processing facility in Nigeria.
This plant places Plateau at the epicentre of modern agricultural processing in the country.”
Highlighting its unique features he also revealed that the plant has the capacity to mill 6,000 tons of maize monthly and clean over 10,000 tons of maize. The entire facility is built with stainless steel technology, making it one of the most food-processing–friendly environments in the country,” he noted. He added that the plant could serve as a key supplier of raw materials to Jos International Breweries and other food and beverage industries nationwide.
“We envision a future where Plateau state becomes the raw materials hub for industries across Nigeria. This factory is a strategic part of that vision,” he explained. All these are highly commendable, are they not?
Of course, they are. And that leads us to the million naira question about the lasting lessons other entrepreneurs should learn from the hands of Nigeria’s newest industrialist in town. One of such is for someone to come up with ideas that act as solution-providers as Ojo has done with the Benybite Foods. Not only is it going to contribute to food security, it will also enhance job creation. Another is to understand the importance of profitable partnerships needed as catalysts to take the dreams to the light of day, as Benybite Foods is cultivating with the Plateau state government.
Commending Governor Mutfwang for his support and leadership, the Benybite CEO said: “Your Excellency, this commissioning would not have been possible without your passion and commitment to industrial growth. We sincerely appreciate you for honoring our request despite your busy schedule.”
He further disclosed that although the plant was initially slated for completion in one year, the project was delivered in just six months, thanks to the expertise and commitment of local technicians’ “This is proof that when we believe in ourselves and invest in local capacity, we can achieve great things,” he emphasized.
Yet, in all of these one stumbling block stands on the way and must be frontally combated to navigate the path to success. That is the challenge of insecurity. All hands must be on the deck to ensure that farmers in Plateau state, including that of maize are provided the secure and enabling environment for farming, transportation and food processes to succeed.
Kudos again to Kayode-Ojo and the team members of Benybite Foods.