Governor Willie Obiano says his administration would continue to equip bridge youths to increase productivity through entrepreneurial training and empowerments for an ideal society.

The Governor stated this during the third edition of the International Breweries Hero’s Foundation Kick start Award Ceremony held in Onitsha.

Governor Obiano represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke while positing that the progress of the state lies in the hands of the youths, restated the commitment of the administration to making them capable and productively efficient for the greater good and development of the state.

Describing youths in the state as talented, Governor Obiano disclosed that his government has since inception through the Ministry of Youths Development and Creative Economy awarded grant worth of over three million naira to sixty-four youths to startup businesses of their choice, promising to do more.

The Governor commended the International Breweries PLC for remaining committed to youth’s development despite the present economic condition of the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, International Breweries Hero’s Foundation and the Traditional Ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe who described youths as the future hope of the country, said the award is part of the Organization’s contributions towards developing the culture of entrepreneurship, and curbing unemployment, crime and criminality amongst young people in the country.

He noted that about sixty-four youths have previously benefited from the scheme and advised the beneficiaries who are forty four in number to judiciously manage the fund given them as they would be closely monitored.

On the overview of the 2018 evaluation process and successful entries, the Chairman Panel of Judges for the award, Professor Ben Osisioma represented by Lady Ngozika Okoye while assuring that transparency was followed in the selection of the winners, said that the panel considered the sustainability, viability, impact and location of the business ideas submitted by the applicants during selection of the awardees.

This year’s awardees were drawn from Abia, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Benue, Edo, and Rivers states.

The event featured presentation of cheques to the respective winners.