Leading beverage company , Coca-Cola Limited, has restated its commitment to women across Nigeria, saying their impact in society cannot be over -emphasised.
The company, in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund LSETF and the Nigeria Bottling Company, recently embarked on a project to empower some women by training them in financial literacy and business skills as well as give them start-up capital in order to incorporate them into the Coca-Cola value chain as retailers of the Company’s beverage products.
The Executive Secretary, LSETF, Akintunde Oyebode, stated that, “A partnership with an organization such as Coca-Cola assures us that we are working in the right direction and strengthens our commitment to building entrepreneurs within the state. We understand that to empower a woman, is to empower a whole generation. We will continue to provide accessible and affordable credit to support women as they seek to start or expand their businesses; because when we do, we create wealth and employment that alleviates poverty.”
The Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Mr Bhupendra Suri, recapped the company’s commitment, saying, “Now, more than ever, we are certain of our commitment to the well-being of our communities, a critical part of which are our women.”
According to the Managing Director, as pillars of their communities, women invest a substantial share of the income they earn on the health and education of their children and in their local economies, creating a remarkable economic impact.
“Lagos State Employment Trust Fund is our partner of choice for this initiative, considering our shared vision on women empowerment and its vast network across the State,” he
said.
Mrs Sade Morgan, Legal and Public Affairs Communication Director, Nigeria Bottling Company, in agreement, said, “As a part of The Coca-Cola System, we understand the importance of partnerships. Our business and its growth in Nigeria are a result of strategic partnerships with distributors, retailers and our consumers. We ensure we are there to support it with our expertise. We will work to position each beneficiary in strategic locations that are profitable and link them up to our distribution network, so that the ripple effect of individual growth can be felt across our
society.”
Coca-Cola and its bottling partner, Nigeria Bottling Company, will provide access to Coca-Cola trade assets (including coolers, tables, umbrellas and Coca-Cola beverage products); peer networks, funds for training and support beneficiaries in the set-up of retail outlets in commercially viable locations; linking them to the nearest Coca-Cola distributors.
