By Dipo Olowookere
The empowerment scheme of Goldberg lager beer produced by Nigerian Breweries, Isedowo, is moving its ongoing campaign to Oyo State where it will support Artisans with grants of N300,000 each to grow their businesses.
The Oyo State activation will take place at Lekan Salami Stadium car park, by Gate 5, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Friday, February 2, 2018.
This is coming at the heels of successful activations in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States where 60 artisans have received N300,000 each to support the growth of the businesses.
The activation in Oyo State will commence with submission of business proposals followed by collation and sorting of applications, audition and screening, trade visit and cheque presentation to beneficiaries.
The scheme is part of the Goldberg brand’s affinity with the people of the Southwest beyond culture and tradition. One hundred artisans across the south western region will benefit from the scheme in the end.
Beneficiaries have commended the brand in all the states where the activation has taken place.
For instance, Yakub Abdulazeez, an auto mechanic, who declared that the scheme is worth emulating, stated that he bought working tools and has started selling spare parts from the grant.
Also, Ayodele Adebalogun, an aluminium fabricator, said Isedowo provided a relief from the daunting struggle to raise capital. He added that after buying a new cutting machine for his work, he has been able to support his wife’s catering business.
The Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Emmanuel Agu said that through Isedowo, Goldberg has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the businesses of artisans in the Southwest, as capital for investment and expansion has been a major challenge to most of them.
“Isedowo has also reduced the rate of unemployment in the region as the grants have led to job and wealth creation in the region,” Mr Agu stated.
He announced that the last Isedowo activation would take place at Loriani Bar, Tinubu Street Ita-Eko Abeokuta, on Friday, February 9, 2018.
To benefit from the interventionist scheme, participants are expected to showcase their business ideas and how they impacted the society.
Launched in August 2017 by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Isedowo has received wide commendation from monarchs and other respected individuals in Yourubaland.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka