Intafact Hero’s Foundation, the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative of Intafact Beverages Limited, makers of Hero Lager, has rewarded young aspiring entrepreneurs that took part in its just concluded Hero’s Foundation Kickstart Programme with the sum of N50m.

The Award was held in Onitsha, Anambra State on 9th December 2016.

Speaking at the Award ceremony, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano, said that Intafact Hero’s Foundation scheme came just at the right time as the country was grappling with a myriad of economic challenges. The Governor expressed excitement that private organisations were joining hands with the government to address poverty and unemployment alleviation by empowering young people to take charge of their own lives through the scheme and hope that other corporate entities will emulate Intafact Hero’s Foundation.

While welcoming attendees to the Award ceremony, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Intafact Hero’s Foundation, His Majesty, Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, noted that Intafact Hero’s Foundation Kickstart is a CSI initiative with a difference. Besides the grants the awardees would receive, they have been trained on how to operate a business and would be closely mentored and coached over the next year.

His Majesty added that the scheme is aimed at creating and developing a local culture of business entrepreneurship among young people in the South East, by encouraging and promoting business skills with the hopes they would emerge as world renowned entrepreneurs in the near future.

Whilst giving a summary of the scheme, Otunba Michael Daramola, who serves as the Country Corporate Affairs and Strategy Director for AB InBev Nigeria, and Trustee, Intafact Foundation, said that the scheme from a business perspective delivers on the company’s sustainable development objectives by helping to nurture more prosperous and healthy communities.

In a bid to impact in its community, the sum of N50m was awarded to 24 successful applicants for their business expansion programmes and some will use it to set-up business ventures.

Otunba Daramola urged the recipients of the award to make good use of the grants. He added that the next season-2 of the programme would soon be opened, so that those looking to participate should start getting prepared mentally.

His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, mni, the Governor of Anambra State His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano and Andries Du Plesis, Vice President AB InBev (Nigeria and Ghana) at the Award Ceremony of Intafact Hero’s Foundation Kickstart Programme which took place at DollyHills Hotel, Onitsha on Friday, December 9, 2016

Yolande Chirwa Human Resources Director for AB InBev Nigeria, Lukas Daniel Van-Deventer General Manager Intafact Beverages Limited, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, mni, the Governor of Anambra State His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano, Otumba Michael Daramola Country Corporate Affairs and Strategy Director AB InBev Nigeria and Prof. Stella Okunna Member of the board of Trustees at the Award Ceremony of Intafact Hero’s Foundation Kickstart Programme which took place at DollyHills Hotel, Onitsha on Friday, December 9, 2016

Charles Obinwugo star winner with the Governor of Anambra State His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano at the presentation of his cheque at the Award Ceremony of Intafact Hero’s Foundation Kickstart Programme which took place at DollyHills Hotel, Onitsha on Friday, December 9, 2016.

Charles Obinwugo, who emerged the top winner at the Award ceremony with a grant of N5.5m for his start-up, said that the money would help him fully establish his business. He expressed his warm gratitude to the organisers of the scheme.

Another winner, Alisi Francis, who received a grant of N3.3m for his business in Imo State expressed his delight for being among the lucky winners and said that the money would be used to expand his Bee farming business.