Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) is set to make waves in the state’s economy, with plans to create over 1,000 direct jobs once its brewery is fully operational. Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, Managing Director and CEO of BIPC, made the exciting announcement during the launch of the second batch of Zeva Premium Beer and Oyi Bitters for local vendors in Makurdi.
Speaking at the event, Asemakaha revealed that the brewery’s permanent site is expected to be completed by mid-2025, with production slated to begin by June. The new venture is projected to significantly boost the state’s GDP and combat capital flight by producing beer locally, a market estimated to be worth over N1 billion per month in Benue.
“The consumption of beer in the state is currently estimated at over N1 bn monthly,” Asemakaha said. “Our mission is to increase the state’s GDP and retain capital within the local economy by producing beer locally.” He further added that once the brewery is up and running, it will create 1,000 direct jobs and over 1,000 indirect jobs for Benue’s youth, driving economic growth and reducing poverty.
Asemakaha also emphasized the company’s strategic marketing plan, developed in partnership with Oyi Bitters, to generate demand for the products, thus benefiting local vendors. “By keeping money within the state and supporting local businesses, BIPC hopes to usher in a new era of development and prosperity for Benue,” he concluded.
At the event, Mr. Adoje Emmanuel, Managing Director of ZEVA Premium Lager Beer, shared some exciting news about the beer’s production. Made from a unique blend of malt, cassava, sorghum, and barley, the beer boasts medicinal properties. Emmanuel proudly announced that ZEVA Premium Beer came second in tests, only behind Heineken, with Budweiser following in third place.
With the brewery’s permanent site set to be completed between June and July 2025, ZEVA’s producers plan to gather customer feedback to further refine the beer’s taste and improve its market appeal. For now, the beer will be available in cans to avoid competition with bottled beers in the market.
BIPC’s bold initiative marks a significant step forward in Benue’s industrial development, promising not only job creation but also a positive shift in the state’s economic landscape.
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