Nestlé Nigeria has taken another step toward empowering women in rural communities by extending its flagship initiative, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria, to Agbara in Ogun State. This latest phase of the program welcomed 49 women into a growing network of small-scale retailers gaining access to skills, funding, and mentorship to help scale their businesses.
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Now in its fifth year, the program has reached 431 women across Nigeria, helping many of them grow their businesses up to three times their original size. Through a combination of tailored business training, product grants, and one-on-one mentoring, the initiative supports women in transforming their retail ventures, improving their incomes, and uplifting their families and communities.
At the launch event in Agbara, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications and Sustainability Lead, Victoria Uwadoka, highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“This program is about more than business—it’s about giving hardworking women real opportunities to thrive. Helping them grow their operations by 300% in just three months isn’t just impressive—it’s life-changing. We’re proud to be doing this in Agbara, a community that has been home to Nestlé Nigeria for over 40 years.”
She also emphasized the ripple effect the program creates—not just for the individual women, but for their families and wider communities—by promoting resilience and economic growth at the grassroots level.
Adding to this, Nestlé Nigeria’s Commercial Manager, Boladale Odunlami, explained that the program was launched in 2021 to provide targeted support to women in underserved communities, acknowledging their vital role in local economies.
“Over 380 women have already benefited, with more than 85% reporting sustained business growth. Each woman in this Agbara cohort will receive N200,000 worth of Nestlé products to boost their inventory, alongside mentorship and training.”
What makes this phase special, he noted, is that the women were nominated by their own communities—ensuring that the program directly serves those who need it most.
Representing the Alagbara of Agbara, Olori Adeola Agunbiade expressed appreciation for Nestlé’s long-standing partnership with the community:
“We’re proud of our relationship with Nestlé and happy to see our women being given this opportunity. We urge them to make the most of it—for themselves, their families, and our community.”
One of the participants, Mrs. Eniola Fausat, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“This program has opened my eyes to new possibilities. I now believe I can grow my business and better support my family. Thank you to Nestlé and the Alagbara for this chance.”
Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria continues to demonstrate the company’s commitment to creating shared value by promoting economic inclusion, especially among women in rural areas. The program, now active in nine regions across the country, equips women with practical knowledge in business management, bookkeeping, customer service, and merchandising. Each participant is also paired with a mentor for three months to guide their progress.
With every phase, Nestlé reinforces its dedication to supporting women’s financial independence and building stronger, more self-reliant communities across Nigeria.
