Guinness Nigeria Plc, the nation’s foremost brewing company, today commissioned the final phase of its N52 billion investment programme as well as a community project at a ceremonial gathering attended by the Edo State Governor at its Benin Brewery, Benin City.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said he was proud of the Guinness Brewery in Benin and hoped that the company will continue to do good business in the state. “I am a big fan of Guinness Nigeria Plc and I am proud to say that anywhere. However, more than my personal preference for the brand, I also am appreciative of what the company is doing for the local community.”
“I know only too well the many jobs that your activities in the state have provided for our good citizens but I will still call on you to do more. I know that we have a partner in Guinness and one area where we can make more impact is in the area of farming. Guinness in a major consumer of grains and this will provide good work for our farmers especially in the rural areas and I am willing to support in any way that I can to give this dividend to the people of Edo State” he added.
The event gathered the best of Edo society with representatives from the Oba of Benin, Nigeria Customs Service, the Immigration Service and the Nigerian Police Force being amongst the guests. In 2011, Guinness Nigeria Plc announced the N52 billion capacity expansion project focused on increasing capacity for the company to meet the demand for its adored products across the length and breadth of Nigeria. The additions were made in the canning and bottling lines with inclusion of 60,000 cans per hour and 50,000 bottles per hour lines respectively. The event also saw the commissioning of Iyoha Road, reconstructed by Guinness Nigeria for the use of the Oregbeni community, which is the host community of the company’s Benin Brewery. On behalf of the State Government, Governor Oshiomhole renamed the road “Guinness Way, Benin City”.
Dr. Nick Blazquez, representing the Diageo Chief Executive, Mr Ivan Menezes, said that the Nigerian market is key to Diageo. “Our continued investment in Nigeria is an affirmation of our confidence in its future and the incredible energy and drive of its people. In spite of the recent security challenges in the country, Diageo is still unwavering in its commitment and support for Nigeria in its quest to create a sustainable and viable economy. Nigeria remains a key market for us and this investment is proof of our belief in its important present and future contribution to Diageo’s position as a leading consumer products company.”
Speaking at the commissioning, Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said: “I am indeed honoured to have the Governor here today to commission these projects on behalf of the people of Edo State. I want to use this opportunity to call on the continued support of government at all levels for corporates like ourselves who understand and value the partnership that we have and I am sure I am not mistaken in my belief that we can continue to count on that from the Governor and his team.”
As well as capacity expansion and community improvement projects, Guinness Nigeria continues to innovate with exciting new products and initiatives. Only recently the brand launched a new look for its stout brand, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, with a hugely successful campaign tagged the colourful world of more. In addition, the company recently launched Alvaro, another non-alcoholic premium drink into its stables in three flavour variants.
