The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Distilleries Limited

  • Brand relives association with ancient throne

    Brand relives association with ancient throne

    Nigeria Distilleries Limited, makers of Seaman’s Schnapps, traditional prayer drink, has said the association between the Olubadan throne and the prayer drink was symbolic.  Gbemileke Lawal, Marketing manager, spoke at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladojaas the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    The ceremony, which attracted monarchs, dignitaries and cultural leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, highlighted the grandeur of Yoruba tradition and heritage.

    At each stage of the rites, Seaman’s Schnapps featured in prayers and blessings, underscoring its cultural and spiritual significance. The brand also served as official sponsor of the event.

    Lawal said: “The Olubadan throne is most revered in Yorubaland. We are proud Seaman’s Schnapps once again served as official prayer drink at this coronation” he.

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    Mrs. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, senior Brand manager, said the event is an affirmation of the drink’s custodianship of tradition.

    “Seaman’s Schnapps symbolised blessings, respect, and ancestral reverence. We are honoured to have accompanied this sacred moment for the Olubadan throne, praying for long life, wisdom, and a peaceful reign,” she said.

    Before the coronation, Oba Ladoja expressed appreciation to the Seaman’s Schnapps team and Nigeria Distilleries Limited for their support. He commended the company’s role in sustaining Yoruba culture.

    “I sincerely express appreciation for your support. May your efforts aimed at upholding our culture continue to thrive. May God bless you and your organisation,” the monarch said.

    The brand reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage by supporting the Olubadan stool—an institution regarded as one of the most significant in Yorubaland.

  • Product counterfeiting hurting manufacturing sector

    Product counterfeiting hurting manufacturing sector

    Operators in the nation’s beverage industry have expressed concern over the grave risk posed to public health and the manufacturing subsector by counterfeiters of their various brands, saying they are losing their market share to counterfeit products.

    The Nigeria Distilleries Limited (NDL) which disclosed this in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, however, revealed that it has taken bold steps to combat the production of counterfeit beverages so as to also safeguard public health.

    The company’s Executive Director, Wale Majolagbe, who disclosed this during the company’s National Distributors Conference, said NDL has been engaging in renaming some of its most popular products that were being faked by counterfeiters to protect its brands.

    He lamented that fake drinks pose a more significant threat to public health than fake drugs, saying while people are exposed to and liable to take fake drinks regularly, they only take drugs when unwell in health.

    He said: “Since last year we have been taking a lot of initiatives on our brands. We have changed the names of some of our brands in order to make it difficult for those who are faking our brands to continue the act.

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    “We discovered that we have been losing the market share over the years and that is why we came up with that initiative. The fakers have gained lot from faking some our products because of the quality the brands are giving in the market.”

    The Executive Director also revealed that the company’s market performance experienced a decline in 2024 due to unfavorable business climate.

    He however, expressed optimism about the company’s prospects this year, citing more favorable government policies and a better business climate.

    “In 2024, we dropped in the market, no doubt about that. We realised that there were many factors that contributed to the fall. In 2024, the environment was not friendly to the manufacturing sector but from 2025, we have started seeing some better attraction and we have also seen some of the government policies that are more favourable to the consumers and populace and manufacturing business in Nigeria.”

    Also, the Managing Director of the company, Adekunle Rosiji, noted that the essence of the conference is to strengthen the relationship between the NDL and its distributors across the country.

    He said: “For 2025, what we are telling our customers is that we are partners and we will continue to enjoy this together. We are committed to be with them through thick and thin and give them the best quality.

    “Doing business is about relationships and not about money at times. It’s about understanding, it’s about commitment. We operate with integrity, honesty and transparency.”