Nestlé Nigeria has extended its flagship women empowerment initiative to Agbara, Ogun State, welcoming 49 new female retailers into the “Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria” programme. The move further underscores the company’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and grassroots development.
Now in its fifth year, the initiative has impacted over 430 women across Nigeria, providing them with tailored business training, product grants, and ongoing mentorship to scale their retail operations. With the addition of the Agbara cohort, a total of 431 women have now benefited from the programme since its launch in 2021.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Agbara, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, highlighted the importance of the initiative in driving inclusive development.
“Supporting rural women to grow their businesses by up to 300% within just three months is not only beneficial for business but also essential for fostering a more inclusive economy, stronger families, and resilient communities,” Uwadoka said. “This programme holds deep meaning for us as Agbara has been home to Nestlé Nigeria for over 40 years.”
She emphasized the transformational results the programme has produced in other locations and expressed confidence in the ability of the Agbara women to succeed with similar support.
Also speaking at the event, Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, noted that the initiative was born out of the company’s desire to support underserved communities.
“We recognize the critical role women play in local economies. Over 85% of our beneficiaries have reported sustained business growth. Each of the 49 women in this new cohort will receive product grants worth N200,000 and mentorship to improve their income and strengthen their community presence,” Odunlami said.
Representing the Alagbara of Agbara, His Royal Highness Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade JP, Olori Adeola Agunbiade praised Nestlé’s long-standing relationship with the Agbara community. She urged the women to make the most of the opportunity.
“We are proud to co-own this project with Nestlé. I encourage all the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the training and grants to build lasting businesses for themselves and their families,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Eniola Fausat, expressed her gratitude and optimism.
“This opportunity has opened my eyes to what is possible in my business. I now feel more confident about growing my shop and supporting my family. I thank Nestlé and the Alagbara for believing in us,” she said.
The Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria programme provides training in entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, merchandising, and customer service. Each participant is assigned a personal mentor for three months and receives business support designed to enhance sustainability.
Having now reached nine locations across the country, the initiative remains a key pillar of Nestlé’s commitment to creating shared value and fostering financial independence among rural women in Nigeria.