The Benue State Government has unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property Company.
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, presented the product by the BIPC to the public in Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday.
He said the product was a significant step towards the economic rejuvenation, industrialisation, and sustainable development of the state.
Alia stated that the product has further expressed the state’s readiness to harness her resources, build and revive dormant industries, and foster local economic growth.
The governor said the brewery would create a sustainable value chain, turning agricultural raw materials like cassava, sorghum, millet, and maize into high-value products.
He said the beer was an economic strategy to boost state internally generated revenue, reduce dependence on federal allocations, create jobs for the youth, address unemployment, and foster economic stability.
Alia said that through the BIPC, the state has initiated negotiations and interventions to ensure that the Benue Brewery, now managed by Nigerian Breweries, was revived and repositioned for optimal productivity, but their efforts failed.
He said: “Having seen the economic potentials of the brewery industry on our local farmers and the economy of the state, we floated Food Basket Brewery that will produce quality beverages that can compete on national and global stages.
“The launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer is a game-changer for the agricultural and economic landscape of Benue State.
“The brewery’s operations will directly impact the lives of our farmers, the state’s Gross Domestic Product, and overall economic development of the state.”
The governor stated that through the BIPC, the state has initiated various projects aimed at revitalising existing industries and establishing new ones.
He said though there were other beer beverages in the country, the Benue brand remained the best in the market.
Alia urged the people to drink beer responsibly.
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The governor commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, along with the management and entire staff of the company for their relentless efforts, dedication, and commitment to bringing change to the state.
Asemakaha said in his remarks that the launching of the beer would increase the state GDP by 17 percent.
He said the target of the company was to create 10,000 jobs by 2025, adding that they have already created 411 direct jobs within one year.
He said: “Zeva Premium Lager Beer represents more than just a new product.
“It is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the indomitable Benue spirit.
“As we unveil this premium beer today, we do so with the knowledge that it will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our dear state in several critical ways.”
The MD/CEO disclosed that the Food Basket Brewery would not only produce Zeva Premium Lager Beer, but also an array of other assorted brands that would cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
He said Zeva Premium Lager Beer was more than just a drink, adding that it is a celebration of the Benue spirit, a spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Zeva Premium Lager Beer product to the public by Governor Alia.
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