*Promoters dream Of Toppling NB Plc Products
By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Managing Director (MD), Benue Investments and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has disclosed the firm’s preparedness to ensure that its up-and-coming Zeva alcoholic drinks take dominant market share in the industry.
The MD noted that the drinks brand would not only create competition for those of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc and break the monopoly the elite beer and beverages producing firm enjoys in Nigeria, but would take the lead in the industry.
Speaking with a select group of journalists, led by Chairman of the State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, in his office, the MD pointed to how NB Plc recently declared a profit of N26 billion, attributing the performance to the heavy per cent patronage NBC products enjoy among Benue residents.
Dr. Asemakaha expressed the belief that the consumption of the NB Plc’s products by the populace in the state amounted to 60 per cent of total market share for the company which, he noted, accounts for over half of its profit.
The BIPC boss lamented that no significant community plough-back impact has come from NB Plc despite the huge contribution Benue consumers have continued to make, describing the scenario as mere capital flight.
Asemakaha expressed joy that the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has decided to reduce the gap with rebuilding of the economy by pulling out the impoverished population of the state from the situation, noting that by establishing the Benue Food Basket Brewery, producers of Zeva liquor product, and the Benue Juice Factory, among others, such would not just create competition against NB Pls, but also break its monopoly of the state’s market.
Determined to improve on the state’s economy in line with Gov. Alia’s development agenda, the MD revealed that about 50 trucks have been ordered by BIPC for supply of materials to produce Zeva beer, among others, even as 26 of the vehicles have arrived with the others being expected, to kick off production.
He added: “What we want to do is to create a future and the Executive Governor of Benue State is creating that future. If you want to critique the world, the only way to do so is what you are seeing here today.”
Asemakaha expressed enthusiasm that about 1,500 workers would be needed for the businesses to operate, apart from 580 direct and 3900 indirect jobs Governor Alia’s government business initiative has already created using the BIPC.
He was optimistic that the initiative can halt capital flight from the state, stressing that as it enhances wellbeing of the state’s residents, the estimated returns on investments monthly will be high.
On the latter, the MD mentioned a projection of N400million-N500million and called on Benue residents to support the Alia administration to achieve more for the state.
