Benue’s Billion-Naira Beer Market Gets a Boost: BIPC “Zeva Beer Launch the game changer”

By Queen Kunde

Benue State, known for its rich culture, agricultural bounty, and beautiful landscapes, is stepping into a new era of economic opportunity with the official launch of Zeva Beer, a product that promises to reshape the state’s financial landscape.

The launch of Zeva Beer, produced by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), marks a turning point for a market that has long been one of the most lucrative in Nigeria – but has never directly benefited the people of Benue State.

Until now, Benue’s beer market has been a multi-billion-naira industry, with a significant portion of the profits flowing out of the state. From the bustling towns of Makurdi to the remote villages, beer consumption has been a regular part of life for many residents. However, while beer sales have thrived, the state itself has never been able to harness its share of the profits – until now.

A Billion-Naira Market: But Where’s the Benefit?

For years, Benue’s beer market has been a source of wealth for the brewing companies that dominate the industry. Large multinational and national beer companies have reaped millions of naira in revenue, yet the state, despite being at the heart of this market, has not directly benefitted. The products made and consumed in Benue were often brewed in other states or imported from outside, with only small percentages trickling back into the local economy.

This gap has long been a point of frustration for many locals, who have seen their state remain a net consumer of beer, but without the corresponding economic benefits. The issue has always been the lack of local production facilities, as well as the reliance on external companies that don’t have an interest in investing in the local community or economy.

However, with the launch of Zeva Beer, Benue is taking the bull by the horns, stepping in to take control of its own beer market, and ensuring that the money spent on beer within the state stays within the state.

Zeva Beer: A Game-Changer for Benue State

Zeva Beer isn’t just any beer; it’s a product that is homegrown and made in Benue, by Benue people, for Benue people. Produced by the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC), Zeva Beer marks a historic milestone for the state. It is a move that promises not just to satisfy the palates of beer lovers across the state, but to also bring much-needed economic benefits to Benue.

The beer is crafted with the finest local ingredients, with a strong emphasis on showcasing the unique flavors of Benue’s agricultural products. Local grains and crops are being utilized to give Zeva Beer a distinct and local taste, setting it apart from the imported options that have traditionally dominated the market.

Harnessing the Power of the Beer Market

Benue’s beer market is already worth a staggering one billion naira monthly, a figure that has been steadily growing year on year. Yet, despite this large amount of money flowing within the state, Benue has not seen any real benefit from this industry. Most of the profits have been going to large corporate breweries outside the state.

With Zeva Beer now in the picture, all of that is about to change.

Each month, the state will now begin to collect a portion of that one billion naira as Zeva Beer takes its rightful place on the shelves of shops, restaurants, and bars across the state. The profits generated will not only support the local economy but will also create jobs, enhance local production, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of Benue people who will be directly involved in the production, distribution, and sale of Zeva Beer.

BIPC’s investment in local production infrastructure means that Zeva Beer will be brewed, packaged, and distributed entirely from Benue, ensuring that the economic impact remains within the state. The launch of Zeva Beer is not just about satisfying the thirst of the people – it’s about creating a thriving local beer industry that can compete on the national and even international stage.

Economic Growth Through Local Production

The ripple effect of this beer revolution goes far beyond just creating jobs for brewery workers. Zeva Beer is set to drive economic growth in other sectors as well, from local farmers providing the raw ingredients to the retail businesses that will sell the beer to consumers. Local distributors, truck drivers, marketers, and even small bars will benefit from the availability of a high-quality, locally produced beer that resonates with the taste preferences of the people.

The potential for growth is staggering. With a steady supply of Zeva Beer reaching both rural and urban communities in Benue, the economic impact will be felt at all levels. The funds generated by Zeva Beer’s success will help to fuel new infrastructural developments in the state, improve the livelihoods of Benue’s people, and create a more diversified economy that is not so reliant on other industries or external investments.

For the first time, Benue has an opportunity to take full control of its beer market and make it an engine for economic transformation. Zeva Beer represents more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of local empowerment, self-sufficiency, and a bright future for the people of Benue.

A New Dawn for Benue’s Youth

One of the most exciting aspects of Zeva Beer’s launch is the positive impact it will have on the state’s youth. The brewery, like other sectors, is expected to hire a significant number of young Benue people, providing them with opportunities to work in the growing beverage industry.

From entry-level positions in brewing and packaging to management roles and sales positions, young people in Benue now have the chance to be part of an industry that will continue to grow in importance and influence. The state’s youth will no longer have to look for work in other parts of Nigeria or abroad – they can find meaningful, well-paying jobs right at home.

A Call for Support

For Zeva Beer to succeed, it will require the support of every Benue resident. It’s not just about drinking a local product; it’s about supporting the growth and development of Benue’s economy. Every bottle of Zeva Beer purchased represents an investment in the state’s future, a vote for local economic growth, and a step towards self-reliance.

Now is the time for Benue residents to rally behind their own homegrown beer and make sure that the profits from this billion-naira industry stay within their communities, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. As Zeva Beer spreads across the state, it will become a symbol of pride for all Benue People, reinforcing the idea that local products can thrive in a globalized market.

A Bright Future for Benue

The launch of Zeva Beer on Sunday the 22^nd of December 2024 by the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. FR. Hyacinth Alia is a monumental occasion in the history of Benue State. It represents not just the birth of a new local product, but a shift in how Benue interacts with the wider Nigerian economy. For far too long, Benue’s beer market has been dominated by external forces, with the state seeing little return on its investment.

But now, with the launch of Zeva Beer, Benue is taking control of its destiny, ensuring that it benefits fully from the wealth generated by its own beer market. With job creation, increased local production, and the potential for export, the economic benefits of Zeva Beer will reverberate throughout the state for generations to come.

This is the beginning of something great for Benue – a future filled with promise, prosperity, and pride.