17/10/2025
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE BENUE JUICE FACTORY
The recent publication by Dan Morgan Ihyuomun, attempting to discredit Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia administration's revival of the Benue Juice Factory, is a classic case of mischief and desperation and a lame attempt to justify his paycheck. While we expected better from serious writers, it seems sycophants are more interested in peddling falsehoods than telling the truth in order to please their masters.
Let's first of all look at the facts and extract the fiction.
The Benue Juice Factory indeed has its roots in a 2011 project. But, the truth is the Factory NEVER produced for the state for even one day. As soon as the factory, which gulped alot of state funds, was "established", It was leased to a company called TORAGO, under very shady circumstances and the company, only extracted concentrates for use elsewhere. And Dan Ihyuomun, concentrates are not juice, they are used as flavors by Juice making companies for products like Chivita and the likes. So, the company never produced juice for the state. The company was thereafter abandoned for 13 good years, taken over by bushes and wildlife, with many of the machines, rusting beyond repair. For Danmorgan Ihyomun to blatantly lie to Nigerians that the factory was producing is rather disappointing, and if I didn't know better, I would have thought he had lost his conscience to sycophancy. What is of utmost importance now, however, is the current administration's efforts to revive and operationalize the factory. This is what truly matters. The fact that the factory was moribund and abandoned before Governor Alia's administration took over is conveniently omitted by our dear brother Morgan.
The BIPC under the watchful eyes of His Excellency Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia should rather be commended for initiating a partnership with SONO Company in August 2025, which marked a significant milestone in the factory's revival. And its important to note that It's not about the number of days it took to operationalize the factory, but rather the fact that it's now producing juice, creating jobs, and contributing to the state's economy.
And Morgan, the mention of ZEVA BEER's factory still under construction is irrelevant to the juice factory's success story. It's like comparing apples and oranges. Each project has its unique timeline and challenges.
Truth is, Governor Alia's administration has demonstrated leadership by reviving a moribund factory, creating jobs, and boosting the state's economy. Dan Morgan Ihyuomun and his cohorts, should rather commend the governor for his vision and commitment to developing Benue State, thereby displaying real leadership rather than playing politics like some people will have him do.
In conclusion, We urge the good people of Benue State to disregard the misinformation and propaganda peddled by desperate individuals. The Alia administration's achievements speak for themselves, and the juice factory's revival is just one of many success stories. His Excellency, Rev Fr Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia remains committed to developing Benue State and improving the lives of its citizens.
Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev
Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication.
