By Queen Kunde Enoch
The Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has announced that construction on the permanent site for ZEVA Premium Lager Beer will be completed by mid-year, paving the way for full-scale local production.
BIPC Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, revealed this milestone during the launch of the second batch of ZEVA Premium Beer and Oyi Bitters sales to vendors in Makurdi. He highlighted the company’s commitment to reducing capital flight and boosting the state’s economy through local manufacturing, noting that beer consumption in Benue State exceeds ?1 billion monthly.
“Our goal is to keep money circulating within Benue and create sustainable jobs,” Asemakaha stated. “With production set to begin at the permanent site by the end of June, we anticipate generating around 1,000 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs for Benue youths.”
He also outlined a strategic marketing plan, in collaboration with Oyi Bitters, aimed at increasing product demand and boosting vendor profits, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction in the state.
On the product’s quality, ZEVA Premium Lager Beer’s Managing Director, Mr. Adoje Emmanuel, positioned the beer as a top-tier brand. “ZEVA ranks second only to Heineken among class ‘A’ beers in Nigeria, outperforming Budweiser in our certificate of analysis,” he revealed.
Made from a blend of malt, cassava, sorghum, and barley, ZEVA is not only crafted with high-quality ingredients but is also said to have medicinal properties. Emmanuel further emphasized the company’s commitment to quality and consistency, with packaging now finalized for production.
“For now, ZEVA will only be available in cans to prevent competitors from sabotaging the brand through bottle destruction,” he noted. “Despite this, we are offering a premium product at a more affordable price point.”
With the factory’s completion expected between June and July, BIPC and its partners are optimistic that ZEVA will cement its place as a leading beer brand while driving economic growth and local business prosperity in Benue State.
