Nigerian Breweries Plc has enhanced businesses with grants in Osun and
Ekiti States through Goldberg’s Isedowo empowerment initiative, which
will also be extended to other Southwest states.
Beneficiaries of Isedowo have affirmed that the scheme has indeed
provided them huge relief from financial challenges hitherto faced in
expanding their businesses.
So far, 32 artisans and small-scale business operators have been
supported with N300,000 each by Isedowo in Osun and Ekiti States,
while the project continues in the other Southwest States. In all,
Goldberg will support 100 entrepreneurs through Isedowo across the
Yoruba speaking states.
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.
Adeosun said he had been in dire need of capital and when he heard
about Isedowo, he decided to send his business proposal for the
auditioning and screening processes. “I commend Goldberg and Nigerian
Breweries for boosting my business and the initiative is worth
emulating,” Adeosun stated.
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. He
said he would also employ an assistant to further expand his business.
Ogunro advised other entrepreneurs to come up with good business ideas
with positive impacts on the society.
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.
“My old cutting machine was faulty and Isedowo was there for me when l
needed assistance to replace it. Now, my wife’s catering business is
also active again,” he said.
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.
“Isedowo has taken that burden off me and I am now a happy man.
Goldberg deserves the name ‘Your Excellency’ because it has put smiles
on faces of people in distress,” Akinyemi affirmed.
Speaking on Isedowo, the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout
brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Agu said Goldberg has,
through the empowerment initiative, extended its affinity with the
people of the Southwest beyond culture and tradition to
entrepreneurship.
To benefit from the project, interested participants are expected to
showcase their business ideas and how they impact the society.
Isedowo, which was launched last month by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye
Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has received wide commendation from
prominent monarchs in the Southwest. Having supported entrepreneurs in
Osun and Ekiti States, the scheme will be activated in Oyo State next
month.