NIGERIA – Nigeria Breweries (NB), producer of Life Continental Lager Beer brand has launched the 2018 Life Beer empowerment scheme alongside US$82,834.02 with an aim to empower 100 artisans and small businesses, reports NAN.
Deemed “Life Progress Booster 2018’’, the initiative aims to boost small ventures to the next level and make progress in seven states of the country.
According to Mr Emma Agu, the Portfolio Manager in-charge of Mainstream Lager and Stout of NB, the company was targeting Ndi-Igbo as the beverage brand, Life Beer, was being sold massively in Igbo speaking predominant areas.
According to him, one out of every three beer served in drinking joints and social gatherings, one of them is Life Beer; thus, showing how popular it is with Igbos.
“So, the Igboman’s philosophy of making progress in life is the same philosophy of Life Beer.
“Beer originates from our breweries in Onitsha, economic capital of the South-East and South-South regions,’’ he said.
The manager, however, encouraged progressive and aspiring artisans and small/growing business concerns to apply by writing a simple business proposal on how to expand their existing businesses, services and ventures.
“They should drop it in our major catchment places especially drinking joints and other specified places in our posters and handbills.
“A panel of three business and venture judges will look into it and find out how suitable and practical their proposals will be.
“Then, they will later visit their shops or business places to verify and ask the applicant questions directly.
“After this, among the shortlisted applicants and especially those verified, the winners of the prize money will be selected and announced,’’ he said.
He further explained that Life Beer empowerment had started and continued yearly since 2014; but previously it was for young people who have new business ideas getting US$690.28 each.
“The empowerment programme has benefitted hundreds of new businesses before now in the seven states, it is the time to already establish small artisans and businesses,’’ Agu said.
The company indicated that the process was clear as well as unambiguous to understand and was to be followed by all with little education prowess needed on it.
