Guinness Nigeria has taken a significant step in empowering women entrepreneurs by providing training and resources to 250 women across various communities in Ikorodu, Lagos. This effort is part of the company’s Plan W Programme, aimed at fostering economic prosperity and entrepreneurial success.
The recent training, which marks the second cohort of the program, highlights Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to uplifting communities. Since the inception of the Plan W Programme in 2019, a total of 1,400 women have been empowered nationwide. This ongoing initiative is designed to drive economic growth and support entrepreneurial ventures throughout Nigeria.
Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Guinness Nigeria recognizes that women are a vital part of our community. We have empowered 1,400 women so far and encourage all beneficiaries to sustain their businesses and take full advantage of this opportunity,” he stated. Odusola also highlighted the program’s inclusive nature, noting that 10 percent of the beneficiaries are People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).
The initiative aligns with Guinness Nigeria’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, which emphasizes inclusion and diversity. “By investing in women, we enhance employability, raise living standards, and boost the country’s GDP,” Odusola added. “Together, we are building a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.”
Bolaji Cecilia Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, representing the Governor of Lagos State, praised Guinness Nigeria for its dedication to economic empowerment. “By investing in women, you ensure that growth and prosperity are shared equitably. Empowerment acts as a catalyst for change,” she remarked.
Maria Kazeem, Program Manager for the Nigeria Association of the Blind and a representative of Sightsavers, Nigeria, expressed her gratitude to Guinness Nigeria for empowering women living with disabilities. She stressed the significance of self-sufficiency for these women.
Community stakeholders, such as Busola Elizabeth Isikalu, the Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu, also commended Guinness Nigeria’s efforts. Isikalu called for continued support for the company’s initiatives to empower women and enhance Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
This enduring commitment from Guinness Nigeria reflects a broader vision of fostering an inclusive and thriving economy through targeted empowerment and support programs.
