In what is a significant return of government to direct involvement in business in the country, the Benue State government, yesterday – Sunday, December 22 – unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC).
Gov. Hyacinth Alia, who presented the new product to the public in Makurdi, described the product as a significant step toward economic rejuvenation, industrialisation and sustainable development of the State.
According to Alia, the product came also as a further expression of Benue’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 is 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 through the BIPC, the state has initiated negotiations and interventions to ensure that the Benue Brewery, now managed by Nigerian Breweries, is revived and repositioned for optimal productivity, but their efforts failed.
“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 (GDP), and overall economic development of the state.” he said
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.
The governor commended the Managing Director (MD/CEO) 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.
The BIPC Managing Director (M-D/CEO), Asemakaha, said in his remarks that the launching of the beer would increase the state GDP by 17 per cent.
Asemakaha said that 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.
“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,” he said.
The M-D 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; it was a celebration of the Benue spirit—a spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence.
NAN reports that the high point of the event was the unveiling of the Zeva Premium Lager Beer product to the public by the governor.
