Nestlé Nigeria has inaugurated the 7th batch of Its Rural Women in Nigeria Project in Sagamu. The project has empowered 332 women to build financial security thereby improving their standard of living.
This is achieved through business training covering merchandising, book-keeping and customer service, mentorship and coaching in addition to grants in the form of Nestlé products. The beneficiaries are women within Nestlé Nigeria’s value chain, running small businesses in rural areas across Nigeria.
Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria was established to assist beneficiaries in scaling up their businesses and sustain the new level of up to three times the size of their existing businesses.
Each beneficiary receives grants valued at 300 per cent of their monthly sales in the form of Nestlé products, business training, a 3-month mentorship program and linked to a mentor for one-on-one coaching over the three months, to ensure their success.
Speaking at the inauguration, Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, Khaled Ramadan, said “Creating shared value within our communities is core in the way we do business. At Nestlé, we strive to make positive impact on society while ensuring the sustainability of our business. The Rural Women Empowerment Program is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of value creation.
“The stories and testimonials from previous beneficiaries, particularly 100% to 200% business growth within three months of joining the program, encourage us to do more. Onboarding women from Sagamu, one of our host communities, is a significant milestone in our commitment to empowerment and sustainable development and we are proud to have an opportunity to make a tangible difference in their lives” He added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Phranklin Audu, Lead Facilitator & Head, Strategic Partnerships at FDConsults, Implementation partner of Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Project said, “We have amazing testimonials from previous beneficiaries. Through this project, Nestlé continues to help solve the challenge of poverty by empowering rural women across Nigerian communities, lifting them off the poverty spectrum and improving their livelihoods. We are delighted to be project partners for the training and mentoring on this credible initiative”.
Kabiesi Odofin Soyindo who represented the Akarigbo of Remoland,the town where the event took place, HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi said, “I commend Nestlé for this sustainable venture and empowerment of Sagamu women. This is a noble initiative, and we are glad that our community is benefitting from corporate programs like this from Nestlé. To the beneficiaries, I urge you to establish your priorities and judiciously use the grants provided to you for the expansion of your businesses”.
