The International Breweries Foundation has empowered hundreds of youths all over Nigeria through the Kickstart Empowerment Initiative programme to start their businesses, with 38 beneficiaries from Ogun State.
Penpushing reports that Abayomi Soetan a master’s degree holder in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the Federal University of Agriculture who is a physically challenged received was one of the beneficiaries of the project which started in 2028
The university graduate received the fund gestures during the 6th edition of the programme, explaining that initially invested in cassava and maize cultivation, and later diversified into value-addition, processing, and packaging food products like Garri, Maize/Millet pap, Elubo, Honey beans, and Ofada Rice.
Penpushing further reports that he said these products were showcased on two different occasion during the Visibility program organized by the International Breweries Foundation, where he presented them to the traditional ruler of Orile Imo, Oba Oluwambe Reuben Sogaolu at his palace in Orile Imo and to the Deputy Governor of Ogun State,Engr(Mrs). Noimot Salako-Oyedele at her office on November 26, 2024.
The Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise boss in addition disclosed that he has received funding from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has helped him improve his business and also acknowledged SightSavers, an international Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) advocating for inclusion of persons with disabilities in different grant programmes as a big influence in his sojourn as an entrepreneur
Penpushing also reports that Soetan has equally supplied products to the Queen Adenike Tejuosho Foundation (QAT Foundation) during the Ramadan Palliative programme for persons with disability in Ogun State.
The beneficiary explained that his business has equally supplied palliatives to persons with disabilities in Oyo, Ogun, Kwara and Lagos states on behalf of the Tunde and Friends Foundation (TAFF) founded by Dr. ‘Tunde Akinremi which has over 350 members with disabilities across Nigeria.
Penpushing reports that, Soetan said despite these successes, his business has faced challenges due to his disability and has lost his operations site due to accessibility issues and is struggling to find a new site due to high costs and landlords’ concerns about wheelchair accessibility.
The Master’s degree holder in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development said he is seeking support from the Ogun State Government to address these challenges and expand his business, adding that his organisation has equally reached out to philanthropists and foundations for business and has 9 part-time staffs of whom two are women with disabilities.
Penpushing further reports that he stated that his needs include a more suitable operations site with wheelchair accessibility, funding to increase production and expand his product line, access to transportation to facilitate the movement of his goods, a strong social media presence to reach a wider market and access to e-commerce platforms to expand his customer base
The agriculturist explained that the challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities are exponentially more daunting, with obstacles being ‘ten times more problematic’ than those encountered by the average entrepreneur, emphasizing that disability poses a significant barrier to accessing essential resources, including capital, land, labor, transportation, and market access.
Penpushing also reports that Soetan stated that with the right support, he is confident that he can overcome the challenges he faces and achieve even greater success with Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise and Mr. Mogbo Moya Foods products.
The 38 beneficiaries of the Kickstarter Empowerment Initiative from 2018 to 2023 who are from Ogun state were led on the high-profile visibility program by the Gateway Plant Manager of International Breweries Plc, Mr. Akintayo Oguntunde.
Penpushing reports that Soetan explained that the purpose of the event is to highlight the transformative impact of the initiative on young entrepreneurs in Nigeria and give them a platform to showcase their businesses.
The delegation first visited the Kabiyesi of Orile Imo, Oba Oluwambe Reuben Sogaolu at his palace and later paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs). Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who warmly received the team.
Penpushing further reports that Oguntunde, speaking on behalf of International Breweries Plc, explained the vision behind the Kickstarter Empowerment Initiative, emphasizing its role in providing seed funding, mentorship, and business training to aspiring entrepreneurs.
‘This initiative is part of our corporate commitment to empowering young Nigerians with the tools and resources they need to build sustainable businesses and improve their communities’, Oguntunde emphasized.
Penpushing also reports that the Deputy Governor in her remarks praised the initiative for the role in fostering economic growth and social inclusion, pointing out that the empowerment programme has proven to be a game changer
‘The Kickstarter Empowerment Initiative has proven to be a game-changer, not only by providing financial support but also by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth’, Salako-Oyedele said.
Penpushing further reports that Soetan one of the standout beneficiaries showcased during the visit exemplifies resilience and determination as he continues to thrive in the food business despite living with a disability.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about making profits; it’s about creating solutions and inspiring others. The support I received from the Kickstarter Empowerment Initiative has enabled me to start my business and show that disabilities do not define abilities’, he said.
‘This initiative serves as a shining example of the power of collaboration between corporate organizations, government, and traditional institutions to drive inclusive growth and development in the country’.
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