Nestlé Nigeria has extended its flagship Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative to Calabar, Cross River State, onboarding 50 new female retailers into the program. The initiative, launched in 2021, aims to provide women in rural areas with training, mentorship, and product grants to enhance their businesses and overall livelihoods.
The Calabar edition included workshops on merchandising, bookkeeping, and customer service, equipping participants with essential skills to improve their operations. Speaking at the event, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering thriving communities through women’s empowerment.
“One of the pillars for achieving our objectives is empowering women,” Uwadoka said. “This initiative creates shared value by improving the wellbeing of stakeholders along our value chain while driving business success. The success stories from the seven rural communities we have previously reached inspire confidence in the potential of the 50 women here in Calabar.”
Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, Boladale Odunlami, explained the program’s impact and objectives:
“Data revealed that women retailers in rural communities face growth challenges compared to others. In response, we partnered with FDC Consult to train, mentor, and provide grants in the form of Nestlé products worth 300% of their monthly sales turnover. Since 2021, 332 women have benefited, with 85% maintaining the 300% growth target, achieving faster turnovers, increased revenue, and greater business visibility. We are optimistic that the Calabar participants will replicate these successes, transforming their businesses and communities.”
The program’s beneficiaries expressed gratitude, with Mrs. Favour Effiong, owner of Favour Stores, saying, “The training and grant will help improve my family’s standard of living. I cannot thank Nestlé enough for this investment in my business.”
Dignitaries, including Honorable Chris Effiong, Vice Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, and His Royal Highness, Etinyin Francis Edem Efa, Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo, praised Nestlé’s initiative. They urged participants to utilize the grants effectively to ensure long-term business growth.
The Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative debuted in August 2021 with 50 female retailers in Abuja. Since then, it has empowered women across multiple regions, combining financial support with comprehensive training and mentorship.
Nestlé Nigeria remains committed to empowering rural women, improving their financial security, and fostering community development.