Royal fathers endorse Orijin amidst fanfare

Orijin, the iconic drink from the stables of Guinness Nigeria Plc, recently got the blessings of Royal Fathers during the formally presentation of the brand to traditional rulers across Nigeria as part of marketing drive to further promote the drink as a drink of heritage among Nigerians.
Welcomed amidst fanfare, the brand received the blessings of the royal fathers as they all showed their appreciation for a truly Nigerian drink rooted in African tradition with the flavours of African herbs and fruits.
The first point of homage was the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1, at Iga Idungaran, Lagos Island. The Guinness Leadership Team led by Sesan Sobowale, director, corporate relations, presented the drink to the Monarch who took time in appreciating the innovation behind the production of Orijin.
While accepting the drink and offering his blessings, Oba Akiolu stated that Guinness has being associated with producing iconic brands over the years and he is sure Orijin will not be different.
“I am aware of the efforts Guinness has put into producing wonderful brands over the years. I have had some information about Orijin and I am glad you have come to present the drink here in my palace. I bless this drink and wish you well” Oba Akiolu prayed.
Oba Akiolu congratulated the management of Guinness Nigeria for the successful introduction of a new brand in the alcoholic beverage sector and advised that “Guinness Nigeria should ensure the distribution is well spread across all the different channels and more of our indigenes should be engaged in the sale and distribution of this product. I am sure that will go a long way in projecting the brand.”
Also, while receiving and blessing Orijin on behalf of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo, Erediauwa 1, the Oba of Benin, Noren Ozigbo-Esiri, the Osuma of Benin, stated that the local contents used in producing Orijin is evidence that Guinness Nigeria is a company driven by innovation and also an advocate of using local content in its manufacturing process.
“It is very interesting what Guinness has done to ensure our local herbs and fruits are used to make Orijin. This is the first of its kind. It is simply a confirmation that your company is driven by innovation and we advise you to keep it up. We bless this drink on behalf of the Oba and people of Benin Kingdom”, Ozigbo-Esiri said.
In his remarks, Sobowale, thanked the Monarch and reinstated Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring quality products from the stable of the company.
“We have come to present Orijin to our Royal Fathers, because we understand the importance of staying rooted in our traditions. Orijin is a drink made from African herbs and fruits mixed with alcohol to produce a great bitter-sweet that speaks to our African heritage. Guinness Nigeria respects the tradition of the society it operates in and our traditional rulers all over the country have been the custodians of the cultures and heritage of our people for many centuries. Therefore, it is only proper for Guinness Nigeria to pay homage to these esteemed personalities and receive their blessings for this unique product which has now become the fastest selling beverage in the bitters and ready-to-drink categories in Nigeria today” Sobowale stated.
Later at the palace of the Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu, the atmosphere was merry as the Guinness team led by Henry Okpe, divisional sales manager, presented Orijin to the chiefs.
While receiving the team, Chief A. U. Emenim, the Iyase of Agbor expressed delight at Guinness’ thought leadership in manufacturing a product solely made from contents found within Nigeria. “Africa is full of enough fine ingredients to be used in making this type of product. We sincerely appreciate Guinness’ recognition of our Monarchs as custodians of the culture
and heritage, which Orijin portrays. We bless this drink and pray it continues to satisfy your consumers across Nigeria” Chief Emenim said.
While accepting the drink and offering his blessings, Prof. T.J.T Princewill, the Amayanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, informed the audience that he was expectant of the visit, thus very glad that his kingdom was recognized by Guinness to be officially presented with Orijin.
“Before you came for this blessing, Orijin has been blessed and accepted by people of the Kalabari Kingdom. This drink is made by Africans and for Africans. It is a good development which we so much appreciated and we are proud to identify with as a people. I love this brand and I will love to be part of growing the brand. We know Guinness is a responsible brand and we feel privileged to identify with the company. We hope to see more of this kind of innovation from Guinness and indeed other companies in Nigeria” said Prof. Princewill.
The visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo was spectacular. Linking the accolade surrounding Orijin as a drink of culture and African heritage, Oba Adeyemi said “Culture is a principal magistrate of man’s life and I am always in the defense of the Yoruba heritage. This defense of our cultural heritage is what Guinness has achieved with the production and promotion of Orijin. I believe this drink has been scientifically tested and produced under the best conditions using our local herbs. I have always craved for a product like this and I am happy it is already happening with Guinness. I bless this drink and wish you the best”.
It would be recalled that in 2013, Guinness Nigeria invested in a new plant to manufacture spirits locally. The local spirits manufacture commenced in December 2013 with the production of Orijin Bitters which is only one variant of the popular brand. The brand is also available in a ready to drink format.
Guinness Nigeria is also the manufacturer of many well-known brands like Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, Harp Lager Beer, Malta Guinness, Alvaro, Snapp, Dubic and Satzenbrau, among others.