Oni Tasks Private Investors on Youth Emancipation, Initiatives

By Ugo Aliog

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has charged private investors in the Southwest to play an active role in youth emancipation initiatives in order to support the youths who he identified as strategic to the progress of Nigeria.

He disclosed this recently at Ile-Ife, Osun state at the unveiling of the Isedowo, an empowerment campaign embarked upon by Goldberg, one of the premium alcoholic brands of Nigeria Breweries Plc.

Ogunwusi stated that with this initiative, they are calling on other investors in the Southwest to come to their aid, stressing that since the investors make their profits from the region, there is a need for these investors to give back to the people.

He applauded Nigeria Breweries for organising such community partnership initiative and sponsoring artisans to the tune of N30 million, pointing out that it would benefit participating artisans across the Southwest zones.

The Ooni also noted that N300, 000 each would be given to 100 selected artisans, adding that this initiative would promote unity amongst Yoruba speaking states.

Ooni said: “It is very important for corporate organisations to see this as a wake-up call because Goldberg, a product of Nigeria Breweries has challenged all of them. We need to work with our artisans to make life better for them. I want to implore our youths to be forthright in what they are doing. They should focus on cutting corners because some day help will come for them. We should support the youths who are the future of this nation through initiatives such as this. We are focused in what we are doing. We are not going to lose focus irrespective of any challenges in supporting the youths and every youth emancipation programmes. We cannot continue to rely on government for everything.”

In his remarks, the Marketing Director, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Franco Maggi, stated that the Isedowo is a platform designed to equip young Yoruba men and women with the support needed to grow their business ideas.

He also stated that as Nigeria number one culture-centric beer brand, Goldberg is extending its connection points beyond culture and traditions to supporting entrepreneurs from the South-west.

Maggi further explained that there would be selection and screening of participants and their business ideas across the South-west after which the top 100 participants would be rewarded with a grant of N300, 000 each.

He added: “Your Majesty, Goldberg is known across the Southwest as a leading supporter of culture and tradition, while also helping the youths to achieve their potential. In 2017, we expanded our traditional music talent hunt show which focused on Fuji music to include Juju music and christened it Ariya Repete. The competition elicited wide participation and support from across the Southwest and produced winners who have been rewarded with cash prizes and recording deals.”