IB Commits To Youth Empowerment, Communities Devt

International Breweries (IB) Plc has restated its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among youths and supporting communities through its flagship programme, Kickstart.

The company stated this while presenting successful past winners of its renowned Kickstart Initiative to the deputy governors and community heads in Ogun and Rivers states.

The courtesy visits provided the young entrepreneurs the opportunity to interact with and showcase their businesses to the government of the state and community leaders where their businesses are resident.

At the presentation ceremony, the deputy governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele commended IBPLC for its impactful social investment in Nigerian youths. She expressed pride in the achievements of the entrepreneurs from the state, emphasising that the Kickstart programme is a testament to the untapped potential of Nigerian youths.

The Olu of Orile Imo, Oba Oluwambe Reuben Sogaolu  said: “I want to thank International Breweries Plc. I have been attending and monitoring the Kickstart programme since 2019. My message to the beneficiaries is to be accountable. When someone invests in you, your accountability reassures and motivates them to assist others.”

Speaking on the impact of the Kickstart initiative, the corporate affairs & regulatory director of IB, Temitope Oguntokun said, “Kickstart’s impact transcends statistics. Each winner represents a beacon of hope for their families, and communities, showing that with the right support, young Nigerians can create solutions that drive sustainable growth.”

While in Rivers State, the International Breweries team led by its country corporate affairs lead, Dr Marian Reginald-Ukwuoma, was received by the deputy governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Odu.

Reginald-Ukwuoma said “we are happy to present to you worthy entrepreneurs of Rivers State origin who have made the state proud in our social investment initiative called Kickstart.”

The deputy governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu stated that, “I am excited to see a company that is so committed to the development of the youth. That is what corporate social responsibility is all about.

“It is good to see the synergy between a company and its host community. I commend the beneficiaries for making Rivers State proud and urge them to continue to be our great ambassadors. I am delighted to learn about the rigorous screening process used in determining those who emerge as beneficiaries of Kickstart as it adds more merit and transparency to the initiative.”

Kickstart Initiative is designed to promote and empower Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35. This initiative encourages entrepreneurship through business training, mentorship, and the provision of grants to kickstart prospective business concepts or upscale existing business.