In a move aimed at reducing the import dependent profile of the Nigerian
economy, creating more jobs and boosting the local sourcing of raw
materials, leading manufacturer and Nigerias only total alcohol beverage
company, Guinness Nigeria Plc, has commissioned a new production line
that will support the local manufacturing of some of its spirits brands
in Nigeria.
Some of the brands to be manufactured locally include Smirnoff X1
intense chocolate vodka, Smirnoff Extra Smooth Vodka, Gordons Dry Gin,
Moringa Citrus Blend, McDowells No. 1 Reserved Whisky, McDowells VSOP
and Royal Challenge Finest Premium Whisky.
The production line, with a design capacity of 1.2 million cases, is
located within the Guinness Brewery, Ikpoba Hill, Benin city. It was
commissioned by the Executive Governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki
at amidst pomp, fanfare and commendation for this landmark stride by
Guinness Nigeria. Governor Obaseki, who nostalgically recalled his long
personal relationship with the brand as a stockbroker, commended the
board and management of Guinness Nigeria for this feat, and urged other
companies to see the current economic recession as an opportunity for
backward integration and expansion of their business horizons.
This is a company I am very close to and very fond of, and so, I am
quite excited that one of my first official corporate functions as
Governor is to commission the new spirits line for the company. We are
very pleased that Guinness is part of the landscape of Benin and Edo
State, and has been so since 1974. And so, for us, you are a partner,
and as a state, we will take our partnership very seriously. Even though
the economic environment in Nigeria today is quite challenging and
difficult, for us in Edo State, we see opportunities embedded in those
challenges,” Obaseki said.
Governor Obaseki also used the occasion to announce that the Edo state
government would like to partner with Guinness Nigeria to create a
minimum of two hundred thousand jobs over the next four years in line
with his administrations agenda.
In his remarks, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Savage
described the commissioning as part of the company's rich and
prestigious legacy and a testament to its long term commitment to
Nigeria.
"Guinness Nigeria has a strong heritage in Nigeria and in Benin since we
built our brewery here in 1974 with a robust portfolio of global brands
like Guinness and Johnnie Walker to boot. Today, we add to that strong
heritage with the commissioning of our spirits production line in
Nigeria a first for Guinness Nigeria. With this line, we are now able
to produce previously imported spirits locally and we are able to offer a
wider variety of products to our consumers at a more affordable price
point, Savage enthused.
Mr. Savage also reiterated the companys commitment to making a marked
and positive difference in the lives of Nigerians via strategic social
interventions.
"As a responsible corporate citizen, Guinness Nigeria is interested in
more than running a profitable business, we are also enriching our
communities with investments in the areas of provision of water, health
facilities and education scholarships to mention a few. As an example,
in the water sector to date, we have impacted over 1.5million people in
Nigeria through the provision of potable water to 25 communities in 14
States across Nigeria, Savage said.
President, Diageo Africa, Mr. John OKeffe, noted that the commissioning
reinforces Guinness Nigerias position as the first and only Total
Beverage Alcohol (TBA) Company in Nigeria.
"Guinness Nigeria is now able to offer a truly broad portfolio of beer,
spirits and non-alcoholic drinks to consumers at every category and
price point. Innovation is a competitive advantage for us in this market
and we have a strong innovation pipeline with plans to introduce some
exciting new products for our consumers to enjoy. Also our commitment to
local sourcing is further strengthened by the commissioning of this
plant that will produce preciously imported spirits, using locally
supplied raw materials. As part of our broader local raw materials
(LRM) sourcing, we are looking to increase our locally sourced
production inputs to 70% in the coming years, OKeffe mentioned.
Some dignitaries present at the occasion include Managing Director,
Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, British High Commissioner to
Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip
Shaibu, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, Edo
State Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, the Chief of Staff, Edo
State Government, Mr. Taiwo Akerele.
A building harbouring foodstuff shops within Cable Point Quarters,
popularly called Cable Point Market in Asaba, Delta State was this
morning razed by fire. According to people who live around, the fire
started around 2:00am in the morning and all efforts to put it out
proved abortive. Three people who reside around who tried to put out the
fire due to the large extent of goods that will be destroyed all
sustained various degrees of injures and are presently at a private
hospital where they are currently receiving treatments.
