2nd November, 2015
In furtherance of its commitment to women empowerment in its value chain, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has identified a unique opportunity to empower indigent women from communities in Lagos where football pitches are upgraded under the COPA Coca-Cola tournament. It is expected that it would provide the women with trade assets and products for a sustainable livelihood.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the trade assets and products at the Jakande Estate Pitch, Isolo, Uzo Odenigbo, Head Public Affairs and Communications, NBC Limited said “Women empowerment and youth development remain key focal areas of our interventions as the Company continuously partners with communities on shared values”.
“As a business, we leverage women’s economic power as a force for growth to further our shared objective of social and economic development. Our route to market is leveraged on women entrepreneurs who represent nearly 70 percent of our dealers, operating our distribution channels and retail outlets across the country.
We believe that unleashing the entrepreneurial potential of women is one of the surest ways to make our business sustainable, and one of the most effective and lasting ways we can help families and communities prosper,” he said.
The event took place simultaneously with the presentation of upgraded pitches and donation of football training equipment to the communities, as part of COPA Coca-Cola activation.
Odenigbo added that “NBC has continuously partnered with the communities, identifying women with entrepreneurial mindset, who are diligent and would live up to the expectation of growing their businesses to support their families and communities. In addition, the women were exposed to practical business skills training relevant to managing and nurturing a business in a sustainable manner.”
This gesture has again demonstrated NBC’s commitment to empowering local communities and supporting women entrepreneurs. Other beneficiaries of the initiative are community women in Agege, Oworonsoki and Orile in Lagos State. The four communities received upgraded pitches from COPA Coca-Cola as part of their efforts towards developing grassroots football and raising young talents.