Why not elevate our local dry gin (kai kai) with the essence of indigenous fruits to create a truly unique Nigerian spirit? This audaciously simple idea birthed Eminikpor, a trailblazing brand that marries Nigerian heritage with bold innovation, redefining the landscape of wines and spirits.
At the helm is Madam Omovigho Oberia, an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural connoisseur whose 20-plus years in Italy shaped her creative vision and entrepreneurial grit.
In this exclusive chat with Rita Oyiboka, Oberia delves into her inspiring journey, the cultural soul behind Eminikpor, her ambitions for the brand, and the challenges of transforming Nigeria’s beverage industry while keeping its heritage front and centre.
Could you kindly introduce yourself?
My name is Omovigho Oberia. I hail from Otor-Ogor in Ughelli North Local Government Area and Ogumebin in Ndokwa West, both in Delta State.
Can you take us through your career journey?
Certainly. After completing my primary and secondary education in Nigeria, I relocated to Europe for higher studies, where I earned various qualifications in the arts, including a degree in Italian Language and Literature. These academic achievements opened doors for me to work as a translator for international organisations.
While in Europe, I also explored my creative side, crafting handmade jewellery and belts under my brand, Cute Colours by Vigho. My work gained recognition at exhibitions across Milan and Switzerland, culminating in being awarded Most Innovative Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 by the International Women Power Conference.
In addition, I ventured into business, founding Da Vigho Limited, the company behind Eminikpor, a drink that embodies my passion for fusing creativity with culture. Each step in my career has been driven by a desire to connect art, heritage, and innovation.
How has living in Europe influenced your business approach?
Living in Italy for decades gave me a broader perspective. I encountered peach and lemon-infused spirits, which got me thinking: why not blend our local alcohol, Kai Kai, a pure raffia extract free from additives with our indigenous flavours? This could be a wonderful way to celebrate and elevate our rich cultural heritage through unique and exciting cocktails.
What is Eminikpor all about?
The brand Eminikpor is a homemade gin company that celebrates Nigerian flavours and ingredients. Eminikpor means “something good and of high esteem” in the Ukwani language.
The idea was inspired by my years of living among people who value tradition. I observed communities creating unique drinks using local fruits, herbs, and techniques, and I wanted to bring that cultural richness into a modern format.
Eminikpor offers low-carb, all-natural alternatives to conventional wines. Our drinks are made from pure raffia extracts, Kai Kai, and various fruits, such as guava, Zobo, Obor (local orange cooked with cinnamon), yellow monbin (ugomugo), and African star fruit (udala). Every bottle reflects the authentic taste of Nigeria, free from additives or preservatives.
Could you elaborate on the cultural significance of your products?
Absolutely. Each bottle is more than a drink; it’s a celebration of Nigeria’s vibrant heritage. Our packaging incorporates traditional African designs, specifically Delta Igbo Ankara fabrics like the “jumping horse.” Each year, we introduce a new colour and pattern to highlight our connection to tradition.
Our goal is to revive pride in our roots while offering something truly unique in the beverage market.
How long has this brand existed, and how has it been received?
We’ve been in operation for two years, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. People who appreciate authentic, natural beverages have found a home with Eminikpor. While indigenous wines are a novel concept in Nigeria, we’re working hard to educate consumers about the value of locally-made products.
How do you address misconceptions about locally made drinks like yours in comparison to popular foreign brands?
Creating Eminikpor made me acutely aware of the challenges we face back home, particularly the lack of proper infrastructure for local production and distribution.
Moreover, in Nigeria, traditional homemade drinks like Agbo, Kai Kai, and palm wine are widely popular. People often ask me about the health benefits of my drink or what ailments it can cure. My response is usually, “When you purchase Red Label or similar drinks, do you ever stop to ask about their health benefits or what they can cure?”
Have you seen anything similar to your brand in Nigeria?
No, not at all. Even the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) struggled to certify my product because it’s such a new concept. They were unsure of how to categorise it.
With the rise of fake alcoholic drinks in Nigeria, how does your brand ensure quality?
This is a critical issue. My drink is changing the narrative that Nigerian products are substandard. Unlike cheap alternatives, Eminikpor is not made to cut corners.
We source only natural ingredients from trusted local farmers and maintain strict quality control throughout production. There are no artificial flavours or harmful chemicals in our drinks. Instead, we focus on providing healthier alternatives packed with nutrients from the fruits we use.
Where do you see Eminikpor in the next 10 to 15 years?
I’m not one to plan too far ahead, but I see Eminikpor becoming a household name in the future. That said, I’m not overly eager to break into the international market just yet. Securing export documentation is incredibly expensive, and Nigerian products are often unfairly perceived as contaminated.
This forces us to route through Ghana, and by the time the goods reach Europe or America, there’s a good chance that half the shipment could be damaged in transit. To make matters worse, you’re likely to be underpaid due to these damages. So, why not focus on selling at a fair rate here in Nigeria instead? I’ve always been a staunch supporter of putting Nigeria first.
What advice would you give to women wanting to start something unconventional?
Believe in yourself and your ideas, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Start something unpopular and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Success isn’t about following trends; it’s about staying true to your unique vision.
Final thoughts?
Nigeria is brimming with potential. I hope to see more entrepreneurs harnessing our resources and turning them into world-class products. Together, we can rewrite the narrative and showcase the best of Nigeria to the world.
