Abiodun JIMOH
Nestlé Nigeria has extended its Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria Initiative to Calabar, Cross River State, onboarding 50 new female retailers. The program, launched in 2021, aims to boost women entrepreneurs’ business capacity through training, mentorship, and grants.
At the event in Calabar, participants received training in merchandising, bookkeeping, and customer service. Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering women as a key pillar of its community development strategy.
“Nestlé is committed to contributing to thriving communities. Empowered women are central to achieving this goal. This initiative has already transformed the lives of women in seven rural communities, and we are optimistic about similar successes in Calabar,” Uwadoka said.
Commercial Manager Boladale Odunlami shared that the initiative addresses gaps identified among rural women retailers. Through a partnership with FDC Consult, participants gain access to mentorship and grants in the form of products valued at 300% of their monthly turnover. Since its launch, 332 women have joined the program, with 85% maintaining 300% business growth.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the life-changing opportunity. Mrs. Favour Effiong, owner of Favour Stores, highlighted the program’s impact on her business and family’s wellbeing.
Dignitaries at the event, including Honorable Chris Effiong, Vice Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, and His Royal Highness, Etinyin Francis Edem Efa, commended Nestlé for its commitment to community empowerment.
The program continues to uplift women entrepreneurs across Nigeria, fostering financial stability and community development.
