International Breweries, makers of Hero Lager beer has offered N84.5 million grant to 44 entrepreneurs at its third edition of Hero Foundation Kick-start Programme for young entrepreneurs.

The Chairman of the Foundation and Monarch of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe made the disclosure while welcoming guests to the award ceremony on Tuesday in Onitsha.

The monarch said the programme was a corporate social investment of International Breweries Plc.

According to him, it is aimed at instilling a culture of entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.

“The programme kicked-off in 2016 with five states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo but it has since been expanded to include Benue, Edo and Delta states.

“This year, the programme further cast its net to include youths in Bayelsa and Rivers states,” the monarch stressed.

Achebe explained that the journey to the third edition of the empowerment started with calls for applications in August where over 120 successful participants were invited to rigorous business training at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Business School, Awka.

He said business proposals submitted by the youths were scrutinized based on strength and sustainability of ideas before the final winners emerged.

The chairman urged the beneficiaries to use the grants and business skills acquired to create value for themselves and the society.

“Running business is not for the faint-hearted, especially in Nigeria.

“You must keep pushing till you succeed,” the Onitsha monarch charged the youth.

In his address, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra represented by his deputy governor, Mr Nkem Okeke commended the brewery for sustaining the gesture over the years.

While noting that the gesture would encourage youth entrepreneurship, Obiano expressed confidence that it would also boost production sector of the country.

“The state government is really pleased with the Foundation for taking up the corporate responsibility of training and encouraging youths with funds to either start or expand their businesses,” the governor said.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to newsmen, expressed happiness at the gesture saying the grants would enable them, grow their businesses. (NAN)