The Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd. (NBC), a consumer packaged goods company and member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) has awarded two participants at the 2023 annual conference of the Women in Business, Management and Public Service (WIMBIZ) with N3 million in the Impact Investment Award.
The award saw Desola Aladesuyi, the CEO of Bloom Everywhere and Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, Founder/CEO, Shades of Life Care Limited won N1 million and N2 million respectively as part of the company’s unwavering commitment towards empowering the nation’s youth and women, through programs that enable them to thrive and also contribute meaningfully to economic development.
The 2023 edition of the WIMBIZ Impact Investment competition themed “Mission I’Mpossible: Thrive!” aimed to identify, empower and equip participants with the tools necessary to thrive in uncertain times. Recognizing the vital role women play in advancing the nation’s economic progress, NBC sponsored the 29th edition of the annual conference as part of efforts to support and nurture the talents, innovations, and entrepreneurial spirit of women and promote gender equality in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Corporate Affairs and Community Partnerships Manager, East & Central, Nigerian Bottling Company, Ifeoma Okoye, said, “As a leading beverage manufacturing company in Nigeria, we are very passionate about sustainability and empowering women. We recognize the immense potential that women hold, not only as contributors to our workforce but as catalysts for societal progress and economic growth, and by equipping them with the right tools, opportunities, and support, we can collectively foster innovation and transform communities for the better. This Impact Investment grant gives us another opportunity to demonstrate that commitment and empower two women.”
“Within our entire value chain, a remarkable 70% of our workforce comprises women with our leadership team being 40% female. Our dedication to empowering women and youth goes beyond corporate responsibility; it is an integral component of our vision to catalyse positive change in Nigeria”.
Commending NBC on its commitment to women empowerment, Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo, CEO of Shades of Life Care Limited, said, “I am immensely grateful for this grant from NBC as it will be a game-changer for my foundation. It will also greatly enhance my ability to create opportunities for other young women, foster innovation, and contribute to the overall economic development of the country.”
Over the last decade, NBC has consistently taken the lead in implementing transformative initiatives that enhance the lives of women and youths in the country, empowering them to make substantial contributions to their families and communities. In 2021, the company, in collaboration with its parent company, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, unveiled a €1 million fund dedicated to supporting community empowerment and social impact programs in Nigeria. Part of this includes the #NBCEmpowerHer initiative which empowered over 1,000 women across 8 states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Oyo, Kano, Rivers, Imo, Borno, Edo and the Federal Capital Territory with relevant skills to drive economic inclusion.