By Bose Adelaja

Have you ever witnessed the processing of pap popularly called Ogi in Yoruaba and Akamu in Hausa and Igbo? Then you are likely to be familiar with brewing although in a less advanced form.

Some of the students at the academy.

Members of the fourth estate of the realm learnt this much recently when the Nigerian Breweries took them on a rigorous three-day academy in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

During the lectures which were delivered by nutritionists and experts in allied fields, the journalists learnt that the percentage of alcohol in beer is less than what is contained in juice and wine contrary to the belief held by many, especially religious organisations. The process of brewing beer involves 90 per cent of water, barley, yeast and hops which could be likened to pap. The difference is just the procedure which beer undergoes before it becomes what it is.

The academy featured experts in various fields – health, nutrition, technology, agriculture and the economy – who shared knowledge and crucial information with the media on issues relating to beer business in modern times.

Healthy properties

The experts included the Brewery Planter, Ben Anozie and Professor Olu Malomo of Department of Food, Science and Technology, The Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State. The duo stated that there are healthy properties of beer, when consumed moderately.

A report by Roger Domeneghetti said beer was responsible for the creation of the United States of America as it sustained the pilgrims through their journey on the Mayflower when the Boston Tea Party was more of a piss up.

According to a study published in UK’s Daily Mail recently, nutritionists identified beer as a rich source of vitamins, fibre, minerals and antioxidants. According to the report, beer has a relatively low calorific value compared with many other alcoholic beverages.

The report, commissioned by The Beer Academy which aims to help people enjoy beer sensibly, found that when taken moderately, beer is one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks available.

The origin of beer dates back to 7000 years ago when a woman in Mesopotamia who was fed up with other types of drinks, tried to lay her hands on an alternative drink which was called ‘’beer”. Beer began as a drink made from soaking bread in water and allowing it to ferment. It was meant as a natural drink\beverage to spice up life in her family.

Today, beer has contributed to the employment of many while the government also generates huge revenue from it. Business men and women also earn their living through the sale of beer.

Vanguard Metro, VM checks show that that about 60 per cent of shops on major streets in Lagos sell beer. It is the dominant drink widely accepted at social gatherings.

A widow of over 15 years who identified herself as Madam Gladys Fakolujo sells beer at Ojuelegba. She told VM that she has trained five children in institutions of higher learning unassisted, through the proceeds from her beer business. ‘’I inherited the business from my mother and today, two of my children are medical doctors and engineers. I lost my husband in a ghastly auto crash along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and all the promises of assistance were not fulfilled. I was left all alone to cater for my children but I give all glory to God for His mercies and grace. Today, all of them are graduates in various disciplines.” she said.

One man’s meat, is another man’s poison. This is the case of Mrs Josephine Beckley who complained that her husband is a drunkard and keeps late nights. “I keep preaching moderation but this falls on deaf ears,”  she lamented.

Another beer seller and a resident of Ebute Meta, Mr Arogundade Afees told VM that when he lost his job about eight years ago, he was introduced to beer business by a neighbor. Now, he is a beer distributor and is living well.

A socialite Mr Lawal Akinborode, said he cannot do without taking a bottle of beer a day. ‘’Without mincing words, beer gives me pleasure and makes me happy all the time and I cannot do without it,”he said.