By Princewill Ekwujuru
It took less than two months for Nigeria Breweries, NB Plc to break the record set by India in June 27, 2015, of the world’s largest billboard poster.

The epoch-making poster measuring 5,367 square metres unveiled at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu state broke the record for the existing largest poster measuring 4,793.65 square metres.

The size of the poster which was attested to by Mr. Nath Agu, a chartered quantity surveyor, Barrister Onyekwuluje Ogochukwu, a lawyer, legally affirmed the measurement.

The Gulder poster served to kick-start the 2015 edition of the Gulder National Consumer Promotion.

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo who commended the Gulder brand for the feat.

He said:   “Indeed, this is a very momentous feat and I applaud Nigerian Breweries Plc, makers of Gulder for choosing Enugu as the take off point for this milestone event. Enugu has also been one of the most lucrative tourist destinations for businesses. By implication, Enugu will also be in the Guinness book of world records for hosting this event. In Enugu, there is a continuous drive from government to provide adequate security for forward-thinking companies like Nigerian Breweries.”

In his welcome address, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, recounted Gulder’s momentous stride in the beer market and the company’s choice of Enugu as the rallying point. He stated that “since the commissioning of our second brewery in Aba in 1957, the South East has been a solid base for our operations and a veritable home to our brands. It is in continuation of this robust relationship with the South East that we are here in Enugu courtesy of Gulder the ultimate lager beer’.

Describing the largest poster as “The Gulder Ultimate Poster”, Mr. Vervelde said the feat recently achieved by Gulder is “an attestation to the Ultimate beer and the Ultimate Man who stands up to be counted with his beer.”

Speaking further, he described Gulder’s feat as a glowing testament to Nigerian Breweries commitment to winning with Nigeria. He added: “This commitment covers all aspects of our investments, our footprint, our people and our socio-economic impact. As Nigeria’s leading brewing company, this feat showcases Nigeria Breweries Plc’s continuous commitment to expanding the frontiers of consumer promotion in the history of Gulder with over four million prizes to be won.”

Speaking on the connection between the Gulder brand and Enugu, Mr. Hubert Eze, the Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc. said: “The truth is that the Gulder brand has a lot in common with Enugu and Nigerian Breweries Plc.is at home in Enugu. So, when we want to break history, we break it at home and ensure that every corner of the earth salutes this feat.”

Barr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, the CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc., his wife, Mrs. Clementina Vervelde and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, also of Nigerian Breweries Plc., all signed the poster, followed by numerous consumers present.

The highlight of the event was the kick-off of the National Consumer Promotion, with 123 journalists invited from all over Nigeria as participants. In the end, Mr. Chuka Nnabuife who works with National Light newspaper in Anambra, emerged the winner of first Hyundai Elantra car. Other journalists went home with consolatory prizes.

Speaking on this feat Nnabuife said: “I feel highly rewarded by a brand that I have followed for over 21 years. Initially I never wanted to be a part of the Ultimate Chase but eventually I participated.