In a significant move to deepen its grassroots impact and promote inclusive economic growth, Nestlé Nigeria has extended its flagship women empowerment initiative, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria, to Agbara in Ogun State. The expansion brings 49 new women retailers into the transformative program, further reinforcing Nestlé’s commitment to rural development and financial inclusion.
Now in its fifth year, the initiative has empowered 431 women across Nigeria, equipping them with the skills, tools, and support needed to grow their businesses. Through a combination of tailored training, mentorship, and product grants, participants have reported remarkable business growth — with some scaling their operations by up to 300% within just three months.
Speaking at the launch in Agbara, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the company’s vision for sustainable impact:
“This program is about creating real opportunities for rural women. When women succeed in their businesses, it strengthens not just their families but also the entire community. Agbara is particularly close to our hearts as Nestlé has been part of this community for over four decades. We are proud to support these women in building stronger futures.”
Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, elaborated on the purpose of the initiative:
“Women retailers play a vital role in driving the local economy. By providing them with business support and product grants of up to N200,000, we are enabling them to scale up, improve their turnover, and build more sustainable enterprises. More than 85% of past participants have experienced sustained growth, and we are confident that this new cohort from Agbara will achieve the same.”
Participants are selected based on community nominations and will undergo three months of mentorship alongside hands-on training in entrepreneurship, merchandising, record-keeping, and customer relations. Each woman receives product grants proportional to their current business size, giving them a head start on scaling sustainably.
Representing the Alagbara of Agbara, Olori Adeola Agunbiade, speaking on behalf of His Royal Highness Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade JP, commended Nestlé’s longstanding relationship with the community:
“Our partnership with Nestlé is one built on trust and shared goals. This empowerment program is a welcome addition, and we are confident it will make a lasting impact. I encourage all the women participating to seize this opportunity and build lasting legacies for their families.”
The beneficiaries expressed optimism and gratitude. One of the new participants, Mrs. Eniola Fausat, shared her excitement: “This program has opened my eyes to what is possible. I now have the knowledge and support to grow my shop and take better care of my family. I’m truly grateful to Nestlé and the Agbara community for this opportunity.”
The Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria initiative exemplifies the company’s Creating Shared Value approach, ensuring that its business operations also deliver meaningful social impact. Having reached women in nine locations across Nigeria, the program continues to promote financial independence, community resilience, and inclusive prosperity.
