Brand
Nestlé Nigeria Deepens Grassroots Impact with Women Empowerment Initiative in Agbara
Nestlé Nigeria is proud to announce the expansion of its flagship initiative, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria, to Agbara, Ogun State. Aimed at strengthening small businesses and enhancing livelihoods within rural communities, this program has welcomed 49 new female retailers.Now in its fifth year, the Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria project has empowered over 382 women across the country, enabling them to expand their businesses by as much as threefold. Through tailored business training, product grants, and mentorship, the initiative supports women in building more profitable retail ventures, reinforcing Nestlé’s commitment to inclusive growth at the community level. With the addition of the 49 new participants from Agbara, the project has now reached a total of 431 women.At the opening ceremony in Agbara, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, stated, “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 further emphasized, “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. We have witnessed the transformative impact of structured training, mentorship, and business grants on the 382 women who have already benefited from this initiative, and we are confident that we will see more success stories emerge from Agbara. Through this initiative, we are not only supporting individual entrepreneurs; we are investing in ripple effects that will benefit the entire community.”Boladale Odunlami, Commercial Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, elaborated on the initiative’s purpose: “At Nestlé, we are intentional about creating growth opportunities across every segment of our value chain. The Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria initiative was launched in 2021 to support women retailers in underserved communities, recognizing their critical role in driving local economies. Since its inception, over 380 women have benefited from the program, with more than 85% reporting sustained business expansion. With product grants valued at up to 300% of their existing business size, participants have improved their turnover, increased revenue, and strengthened their community presence. This edition is particularly special, as the participants were nominated by their own communities and will each receive product grants worth N200,000. We are excited to welcome the Agbara cohort and are confident that, with the support we provide, they will continue this legacy of progress and success.”On behalf of the Alagbara of Agbara, His Royal Highness Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade JP, Olori Adeola Agunbiade commended Nestlé’s enduring relationship with the community and encouraged the women to seize this opportunity. “Our community enjoys a peaceful and respectful relationship with Nestlé, which enables us to work together effectively on community-led initiatives like the women empowerment program. We are delighted to see the women we have carefully selected from our community benefit from this program, whose impact we have heard about. I urge every woman here today to take full advantage of this training to build something lasting for herself and her family. I assure Nestlé Nigeria of our commitment to co-owning this project, which will further strengthen the long-standing bond with the people of Agbara.”The women expressed their gratitude and optimism regarding the opportunity. Mrs. Eniola Fausat, one of the participants, shared her excitement: “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.”Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria exemplifies Nestlé’s commitment to creating shared value in society. Since its inception, the initiative has expanded to nine locations across the country.Beneficiaries receive training in essential areas such as entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, merchandising, and customer service skills which are vital for running successful retail operations. Each participant is also assigned a personal mentor for three months and receives product grants to help them scale sustainably.With every new phase, Nestlé continues to support financial independence among rural women, enabling them to create better futures for themselves and their communities.
Brand
Interswitch Returns as Key Sponsor of 12th AMVCAs, as Quickteller and Verve Spotlight Excellence in African Music and Storytelling
Lagos, Nigeria – April 27, 2026 – Interswitch, through its flagship brands, Quickteller and Verve, has announced its sponsorship of three major award categories at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), reaffirming its continued support for the growth and global recognition of Africa’s film and television industry. Through Quickteller and Verve, the company is backing key segments of the continental awards that spotlight creative excellence. Quickteller will feature as the sponsor of the Best Music Score category, while Verve will sponsor the Best Writing in a Movie category as well as the Best Writing in a TV Series category, recognising the creative depth and storytelling craft that shape Africa’s film and television landscape. The sponsorship underscores Interswitch’s broader commitment to enabling platforms that celebrate African talent and elevate the continent. Over the years, the company has continued to support initiatives that drive cultural expression, industry visibility, and cross-sector innovation. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, noted that the collaboration reflects the company’s long-standing belief in the power of storytelling to drive connection and growth, particularly within Africa’s rapidly evolving creative ecosystem. “At Interswitch, we see the creative industry as a powerful engine for cultural expression and economic growth across Africa. Our partnership with the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards reflects our commitment to supporting platforms that amplify African voices and showcase world-class talent. We are proud to support categories that recognise the creativity and craftsmanship behind the stories that resonate with audiences across the continent and beyond,” Eromosele said. As part of its participation in this year’s awards, Interswitch will be represented by senior executives at the ceremony. The Best Music Score award will be presented by Franklin Ali, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch, while the Best Writing in a Movie award will be presented by Dr. Cherry Eromosele. Also commenting on Interswitch’s return as a sponsor of the 12th AMVCAs, the Divisional Head, Brands, Communications, Content and Storytelling, Tomijogun Ogunlesi stated:“Interswitch Group is proud to support the celebration of Africa’s storytelling brilliance. Through Quickteller and Verve’s participation as sponsors of the AMVCAs, we are playing a role in amplifying the voices of those telling our authentic African stories with passion, authenticity, and creativity. For us, the AMVCA is more than just an award show, but a powerful platform that reflects the vibrancy and vision of African creators whom we are proud to support.” Beyond the sponsorship, Interswitch will also deliver an engaging on-site brand experience across key moments of the AMVCAs. Activations are scheduled to take place during the Cultural Day celebration at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on the 8th of May and at the main awards ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on May 9, 2026. These activations will showcase the seamless capabilities of Quickteller and Verve, while creating interactive touchpoints that connect technology, lifestyle, and entertainment in a way that reflects how consumers engage with modern commerce. By combining sponsorship, executive participation, and experiential engagement, Interswitch continues to position itself at the intersection of technology and culture, supporting not just transactions, but the ecosystems that drive creativity, connection, and economic opportunities across Africa.
L-R: Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Deputy Controller of Corrections, Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Dr. Sunday Igwe; Team Lead, Human Resources and Business Partner, East & South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osayi Uwumarongie; and President, Legacy Inductees Class of 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc, Darlington Okereke; during Fidelity Bank’s donation of food and essential items to Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre, in Enugu State recently.
Tier one lender, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to health and social welfare with the donation of food and essential items to inmates at the Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
The outreach was carried out by the newly inducted Legacy Class of 2026 and executed under the bank’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform known as the Fidelity Helping Hands Project (FHHP). Through the FHHP, staff identify areas of critical interventions in their immediate communities, raise funds and then receive matching financial support from the bank’s management to execute the projects.
Items donated by the Legacy class include a range of food supplies such as garri, spaghetti, noodles, biscuits, milk, and other essential consumables aimed at supporting the welfare and living conditions of inmates at the facility.
Speaking on the visit, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, described the initiative as a key component of the Bank’s culture, designed to inspire compassion and a sense of responsibility in its workforce.
“As part of our induction programme, we encourage new staff to identify meaningful ways to impact their communities. In assessing the needs of this facility, it became clear that providing food and other essentials would make an immediate difference. With over 3,000 inmates here, the daily effort required to feed and care for them is enormous. We believe that this donation will significantly support the centre’s ongoing work and contribute to improving the welfare of the inmates,” he said.
Nwagboh further emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative, noting that the bank is committed to raising socially conscious professionals. “At Fidelity Bank, we are intentional about building not just skilled employees, but responsible citizens. Initiatives like this help our staff connect with real societal needs and inspire them to make meaningful contributions beyond the workplace,” he stated.
In his response, the Deputy Controller of Corrections at the facility, Dr. Sunday Igwe, commended Fidelity Bank for nurturing a strong culture of social responsibility among its workforce. He described the donation as timely and impactful, noting that it would help alleviate some of the operational challenges faced by the facility.
Igwe further used the opportunity to caution Nigerians, particularly young professionals, against engaging in criminal activities such as fraud and cybercrime, emphasizing that personal decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
“People must understand that their choices determine their outcomes. We encourage everyone to stay focused and avoid actions that may bring them into conflict with the law,” he advised.
The Fidelity Helping Hands Project remains one of Fidelity Bank’s key CSR initiatives, enabling employee-led contributions that drive meaningful impact through inclusive development across Nigeria.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
One Universe, a new trusted digital marketplace designed to connect people who need services with skilled professionals, has officially launched and is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Built to solve the everyday challenge of finding reliable service providers, One Universe brings trust, convenience, and transparency into one seamless platform. From beauty and lifestyle services to technical, creative, and professional support, users can now discover verified professionals, agree on terms, and complete payments securely – all within the app.
A Safer, Smarter Way to Get Things Done
One Universe was created to eliminate uncertainty in service transactions. The platform enables buyers to find professionals, chat directly, agree on pricing and timelines, and make payments securely. Funds are held safely until the job is completed, ensuring protection for both parties.
Empowering Professionals to Grow
For service providers, One Universe offers a powerful opportunity to showcase skills, receive referrals, build credibility through reviews, and access more customers without the usual barriers. Professionals can focus on delivering quality work while the platform supports visibility, trust, and secure payments.
Introducing the One Universe Recruiter Program
As part of its launch, One Universe is rolling out the Recruiter Program, designed to reward individuals who help grow the community. Recruiters earn incentives by inviting people to join the platform – especially buyers seeking services – thereby helping professionals get more jobs while expanding the ecosystem. The program turns everyday referrals into real value and shared growth for all participants.
Key Features Include:
- Verified professionals across multiple service categories
- Secure in-app payments with buyer and seller protection
- Transparent pricing and direct communication
- Ratings and reviews to build trust
- A growing community driven by referrals and reputation
- Incentives through the Recruiter Program for community growth
Now Available on iOS and Android
One Universe is now live and ready for use. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to download the app, explore services, and experience a smarter way to connect and transact.
Download One Universe today:
Apple App Store
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/one-universe/id6753012310
Google Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oneuniverse.oneuniverse
About One Universe
One Universe is a trusted digital marketplace built to connect people with skilled professionals, making service discovery, engagement, and payment simple, safe, and reliable. The platform is committed to empowering service providers while giving users confidence and peace of mind.
Media Contact:
www.oneuniverse.ng
info@oneuniverse.ng
08083327368
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