The Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has pledged to do everything to encourage companies operating in Abia State, especially the Nigeria Breweries Plc which remains one of the strongest brands in the brewery market.
He gave the assurance when he received in audience the management of the Nigeria Breweries Plc led by the Sales Director, Uche Unigwe who paid him a courstey visit at the Government House.
He saluted the resilience, innovation and industry of the NBL which has been in existence in Aba since independence noting that those were virtues for which Abia State was known.
The Governor said he was proud of the investment from the company in the State and expressed joy that the relationship with the State is progressing.
The Governor promised to synergize with the NBL in an effort to empower Abia youths and encourage them to show case their ingenuity and recommended that Nigerians produce and patronize Made in Nigeria goods as a way of spreading wealth.
He pointed out that since assuming office in 2015, he has continued to stock and wear made in Aba products which he said can compete with other global brands.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Sales Director, Uche Unigwe disclosed that NBL has been contributing to the economic development of the State through job creation and taxes maintaining that the company has enjoyed peaceful relationship with the State. He commended the Governor for his support through investment in security, noting that their assets in the State are secure.
He made public that their visit to the Governor was to herald the home-coming tour to their consumers in the East with the re-launch of their two products, Star Radler and Legend Extra Stout.
He said that it is their commitment to support young entrepreneurs to achieve what they set out for themselves.
Highlights of the ceremony was presentation of the Legend torch to the Governor by the Sales Director assisted by their brand ambassador of NBL, Erica Nlewedim, who featured at the last Big Brother Naija show and is a daughter of Abia State, from Arochukwu LGA.
The Governor also presented to the delegation a box of Made in Aba Products donated by one of our award winning Made in Aba Ambassadors, Onwuasoanya Norah.
Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Commissioner for Industries, Mrs Uwaoma Olewengwa and other top officials of the State Government were present at the event.