From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Reverend Father, Hyacinth Alia has expressed optimism that introduction of Zeva Premium Lager Beer into the Nigerian market would contribute to the ongoing transformation of the state,its economic rejuvenation, industrialization and sustainable development.
Alia who spoke on Sunday during the unveiling of Zeva Premium Lager Beer, another product of Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, held at IBB square Makurdi, described the unveiling as significant milestone for the state, adding that it has emphasized determination of the state to harness its resources, build and revive dormant industries in order to foster local growth.
He said the launch was not just to celebrate what he described as a world- class product but to also reaffirm commitment to reposition the state as a beacon of industrial growth and opportunity in Nigeria, adding that construction of the Food Basket Brewery has reflected the vision of his administration to leverage the state’s immense agricultural resources to drive industrial growth.
Governor Alia lamented that despite endowment of the state with abundant agricultural produce,it has not fully capitalized the potentials for agro- based industrialization, expressing optimism that the brewery will create sustainable value chain, with the aim to turn agricultural raw materials like cassava, sorghum,millet and maize into high- level products.
The Governor who described the brewery as more than just a business, argued that as economic strategy,the brewery would boost the state Internally Generated Revenue,IGR, reduce dependence on Federal Allocation, create job’s for teaming youths to address unemployment,as well as foster economic stability,empower farmers by providing guaranteed market for their products.
He also noted that the brewery would serve as model for innovation and industrial excellence, positioning the state as an attractive destination for both local and international investors, adding that it will equally serve as a testament to the industrial potential of the state.
The Governor also disclosed that his administration having discovered the economic potentials of the brewery industry on the local farmers and economy of the state decided to float the Food Basket Brewery whose quality of beverage he insisted could compete on the national and global stages, expressing the belief that the launch of Zeva Premium Lager Beer will be a game- changer for agricultural and economic landscape of the state as its operations would directly impact the lives of farmers, state GDP, and overall development through empowering farmers, boosting GDP,job creation and Revenue Generation.
Governor Alia while restating commitment of his administration to transform the state into an industrial hub to create wealth and opportunities for all, he reaffirmed resolve of his government to revive moribund industries,establish new ones that will align with global trends and market demands.
He also disclosed that government is creating a friendly environment for investors through construction of roads, provision of constant power and other infrastructure to support industrial growth and expressed appreciation to the M/D,BIPC, Raymond Asemakaha with his team for making the dream of Zeva Premium Lager Beer a reality, assuring that government will continue to support the company to achieve its mandate.
In a remark,M/D/ CEO,of BIPC, Raymond Asemakaha, expressed optimism that the unveiling of Zeva Premium Lager Beer will renew commitment of the Alia administration towards economic transformation and empowerment of the people.
He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, government officials, farmers, business leaders and stakeholders for the support, expressing hope that Zeva’s unveiling would contribute significantly to the socio- economic development of the state in many critical areas such as creating wealth to uplift the standard of living of Benue people.
