News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has launched the ZEVA Premium Lager Beer, a product of the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC).
The unveiling ceremony took place on Sunday evening at the IBB Square, Makurdi, marking a significant milestone in the revival of the state’s brewery sector.
In his remarks, Governor Alia commended the management of BIPC for their efforts in revamping the brewery industry, which had been dormant for 42 years after it was first launched in 1982 by the first civilian governor of Benue State Aper Aku.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the revitalization of moribund industries and the establishment of new ones, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and development.
He encouraged the people of Benue State to embrace the ZEVA brand, underscoring its economic benefits to the people. “Let us take ownership of our beer, ensuring that our money circulates within the state,” he stated.
The Governor further urged farmers across the state to leverage the opportunity provided by the brewery industry by engaging in the cultivation of raw materials needed for production and assured farmers of the government’s unwavering support in enhancing agricultural productivity.
The Managing Director/CEO of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, elaborated on the strategic rationale behind the company’s foray into beer production. He revealed that Benue State records over ₦1 billion in annual beer consumption, with external brands previously dominating the market. The introduction of ZEVA Premium Lager Beer aims to retain over 70% of this revenue within the state, thereby stimulating local economic activity.
Dr. Asemakaha highlighted the broader economic benefits of the initiative, including job creation, increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and economic diversification. He disclosed that BIPC’s various strategic business units have already provided employment to over 400 individuals, with a target of creating 10,000 additional jobs by the end of 2025.
He further assured stakeholders of the company’s dedication to its mandate, stating, “BIPC will continue to establish new businesses every quarter, ensuring that Benue State becomes fully industrialized.”
Prominent stakeholders and industry experts present at the event lauded BIPC’s achievements. Prof. Barnabas Achakpaikyo, Director of the Center for Food Technology and Research at Benue State University and lead consultant for the ZEVA beer recipe, commended the company for its innovation and dedication to economic transformation.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Hon. Alumo Mannaseh Orpin, and the Minority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Audu, expressed their appreciation for BIPC’s efforts to revitalize the brewery sector and enhance industrial development in the state.
In their addresses, the Head of Business Development and Strategy, Mrs. Theresa Abeda, and the General Manager of Real Estate and Infrastructure, Mrs. Lucy Jato, expressed their gratitude to the state government for providing a conducive environment for BIPC’s operations to thrive.
The unveiling of ZEVA Premium Lager Beer represents a significant step in Benue State’s journey toward economic self-reliance and industrial growth. With BIPC’s commitment to innovation, job creation, and economic development, the company remains at the forefront of efforts to transform Benue into a hub of industrial and agricultural excellence.
