Nigerian Breweries Plc has enhanced businesses of 32 entrepreneurs with grants of N300,000 each in Osun and Ekiti States through Goldberg’s Isedowo empowerment initiative, which will also be extended to other Southwest states. The initiative which was recently launched by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II gave grants of N300,000 to 10 entrepreneurs in Osun and 22 in Ekiti State, with concluded plans to support 100 businesses in the Southwest. It is part of the brand’s affinity with the people of the Southwest beyond culture and tradition to entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries of the empowerment initiative have affirmed that the scheme has indeed provided them huge relief from financial challenges hitherto faced in expanding their businesses.
Ojo Adeosun, a fashion designer who was overjoyed after receiving the grant, said the N300,000 was a huge upliftment from financial challenges as it helped him in purchasing a new sewing machine he had always required to expand his business. He disclosed that he also started selling fabrics and now has three apprentices working with him. Kayode Tope Ogunro, a photo/videographer, disclosed that he had almost concluded arrangement to buy a camera and video lights from a friend in Lagos and intended to open a studio with the grant from Isedowo. Ayodele Adebalogun, an aluminium fabricator, said Isedowo provided a relief from the daunting struggle to raise capital. He disclosed that he participated in the scheme with his wife, who is a caterer, but the judges did not deem her proposal fit enough for selection. He added that after buying a new cutting machine for his work, he supported his wife’s business with parts of the grant.
Alo Babatope, an auto mechanic, and Ade Akinyemi, a welder, both commended Goldberg, stating that the scheme was timely. Babatope, who holds a certificate in automotive programme from the University of Ibadan, said he bought a launch diagnostic machine used for all brand of cars with the grant. Akinyemi lauded Goldberg for creating wealth and job opportunities in the Southwest. He added that the grant helped him in expanding his business enterprise as he was able to purchase a welding machine he had longed to have.
Speaking on Isedowo, the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Agu said Goldberg will extend the empowerment scheme to Ondo State in November to further support 28 entrepreneurs with N300,000 each. To benefit from the project, interested participants are expected to showcase their business ideas and how they impact on the society at the various Isedowo collection centres in Ondo State.
