By John Ndu, Awka

Hero Foundation on Tuesday announced its third edition of 2018 Kickstart empowerment programme.

The International Breweries, a subsidiary of AB InBev made the announcement at the company's Headquarters, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Addressing newsmen, the Secretary and General Counsel, International Breweries, Mr Muyiwa Ayojimi said the aim was to tackle employment challenges, especially among the youths of Nigeria.

Mr Ayojimi emphasized that the foundation had since launched in 2016, empowered 64 young entrepreneurs with the sum of N132 Million, for the growth and expansion of their brilliant business plans.

The General Counsel stated that the third edition is targeted at empowering 60 youths who have attractive business plans across different skills.

Announcing the criteria for interested youths, Ayojimi said it is open from August 13 to September 30, 2018, for youths between the ages of 18 to 35 and should visit the foundation website at www.herokickstartnigeria.org.

According to him, "We initially kicked off the programme with youths residing in the core south eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

"In 2017, we expanded our horizon to include Benue, Delta and Edo states. This year, we will be expanding further to include Rivers State to the list of participating states.

"Applicant who submit outstanding and implementable business proposals are shortlisted for an intensive business training led by experts from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University School of Business.

"They will be trained on the nitty gritty of running a successful business after which they will develop and submit their business proposal". Ayojimi explained.

He stressed that the competent judges would scrutinize the proposals due to its strength and sustainability, adding that the best proposal would be offered a seed capital to either start up or expand their businesses .

On his part, the Mentor and Coordinator of Awardess, Prof Alex Ike Ikeme observed that the rippling effect of the foundation was such that the beneficiaries had employed other youths, geared towards reducing unemployment rates.

Also, one of the beneficiaries of the 2017 Foundation, Mr David Ekwueme who won N3 million as first price said his recycling of plastic waste had advanced due to the hug capital from the foundation.

Mr Ekwueme who had employed 10 persons in his firm, urged other youths to embrace the scheme and stand the chances of becoming employers of labour.