Governor Umo Eno has declared that passengers boarding the Akwa Ibom state-owned IbomAir from any part of Nigeria and Africa will henceforth be served assorted beverages produced from the state’s Champion Breweries Plc.
Speaking at the event commemorating the launch of Champion Breweries’ new canned products in Uyo, the state capital, Governor Eno described the brewery as “a symbol of Akwa Ibom’s heritage and excellence.”
“This is the drink for our people and it comes in different brands – Champion Lager Beer and Champ Malta, Champion Lager with Ginger Extract, Champ Malt with Butter Cookies and Champ Malt with Tiger Nut.
“In fact, Champ Malta at some point in this country won an award for being outstanding and I’m glad we could take it to the world. Just as Ibom Air is for Akwa Ibom, Champion is for Akwa Ibom. Ibom Air can serve these drinks, going forward,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of promoting home-grown products, adding that, “It is made in Akwa Ibom, recognised by Akwa Ibom people and the world, let’s celebrate what God has given to us”.
Elated by the governor’s declaration, the company’s management noted that the endorsement comes at a pivotal time for Champion Breweries Plc, which has recently expanded its product line to include canned beverages.
Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, Chairman, Board of Directors of the firm, reflected on the journey that led to this milestone, which he explained, had spurred widespread demands for the products from Lagos to the northern regions despite the initial logistical hurdles.
“Champion is a lager beer that was launched in the ’70s, and it remains the toast of the market. However, our challenge has always been distribution. The problem was that this market favorite was only available in bottles, limiting its reach. Today we have launched our can formats so Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians as a whole can now enjoy Champion brands which they have always loved in cans too.
“Therefore, this king was limited from influencing the market and bringing good returns to the good people of Akwa Ibom State. When I joined the board a little over a year ago, it was unthinkable that Champion Breweries products could be in cans. Technology had shifted, the market had shifted, but the capital to adapt wasn’t available. Today, our can formats are a dream come true.
“I can say that this means a lot to us. In the past, when we launched our products, the bottles rarely returned intact, affecting production. Our competitors took advantage, buying and breaking our bottles, starving us of resources and limiting our growth. Today, we are glad the God of the golden era has come to our aid, broken the jinx, and we now have both cans and bottles,” he stressed.
The chairman lauded the management team for their resilience and innovation, which he believes will further solidify the brand’s standing in Nigeria’s competitive beverage market.
