Nestlé Expands Flagship Rural Women Empowerment Programme to Agbara, Empowers 49 New Female Retailers
In a bold stride towards inclusive growth and community development, Nestlé Nigeria has expanded its acclaimed initiative, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria, to Agbara in Ogun State, enrolling 49 new female retailers into the programme.
Launched in 2021, the programme has, over the past five years, empowered over 382 women across Nigeria. With the latest addition from Agbara, the total number of beneficiaries now stands at 431.
The initiative is designed to strengthen small-scale retail businesses in underserved rural communities by offering beneficiaries tailored business training, product grants worth up to N200,000, and personalised mentorship. Many participants have seen their businesses grow as much as threefold within just three months.
At the official launch in Agbara, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to inclusive economic participation.
“Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria is about creating genuine opportunities for women. Supporting rural women to scale their retail operations by up to 300% within just three months is not only beneficial for business but also essential for fostering a more inclusive economy, stronger families, and resilient communities,” she said.
Uwadoka emphasised the sentimental significance of Agbara to the company, stating: “Opening new doors for hardworking women determined to build better futures for themselves and their families in Agbara holds significant meaning for us, as this community has been home to Nestlé Nigeria for over four decades.”
She expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the programme, noting its ripple effects: “Through this initiative, we are not only supporting individual entrepreneurs; we are investing in ripple effects that will benefit the entire community.”
Also speaking at the event, Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the strategic intent behind the initiative.
“At Nestlé, we are intentional about creating growth opportunities across every segment of our value chain. Since inception, more than 85% of the 380+ women beneficiaries have reported sustained business expansion. This edition is particularly special, as the participants were nominated by their communities and will each receive product grants worth N200,000,” she explained.
Representing His Royal Highness, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade JP, the Alagbara of Agbara, Olori Adeola Agunbiade expressed gratitude for Nestlé’s continued partnership with the community and urged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity.
“Our community enjoys a peaceful and respectful relationship with Nestlé, which enables us to work together effectively on community-led initiatives like this women empowerment programme. I urge every woman here today to take full advantage of this training to build something lasting for herself and her family,” she said.
In a heartfelt expression of appreciation, one of the new participants, Mrs. Eniola Fausat, said: “This opportunity has opened my eyes to what is possible in my business. With the training and support, I am now more confident that I can improve my shop and better support my family. I thank Nestlé and the Alagbara for believing in us.”
The programme, which has now reached nine locations across Nigeria, offers a structured curriculum covering entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, merchandising, and customer service – skills considered vital for running successful retail enterprises.
Each participant is paired with a mentor for three months to ensure hands-on support as they apply their learnings to their businesses.
Nestlé’s Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria initiative exemplifies the company’s commitment to creating shared value by promoting financial independence and sustainable growth in rural communities.
As the programme expands, it continues to provide hope, opportunity, and prosperity to women and their families, paving the way for more resilient local economies.
