Victor EzejaNestlé Professional, Nestle Nigeria’s out-of-home business arm, has empowered not less than 200 women entrepreneurs in the food industry in Benin, Edo State.
The Company held the 10th edition of its Business of Food workshop in Benin to commemorate International Women’s Day.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOver the last three years, the effort has transformed and equipped over 2,000 food enterprises in Nigeria, offering critical skills and knowledge to improve operations, drive development, and boost income.
This year’s Business of Food workshop aimed to empower and unite more than 200 female industry professionals, restaurant owners, seasoned chefs, culinary school students, street food vendors, caterers, and grillers.
Recognising their important role in feeding local communities, the programme offered participants free hands-on instruction in culinary methods, menu development, customer engagement, and hygienic best practices, as well as the resources they needed to succeed in their enterprises.
In keeping with the theme “Accelerate Action” for International Women’s Day, the programme emphasised the critical need to empower women and push gender equality in the food business, allowing them to take important steps towards success and community impact.
Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional in Nigeria, said during the event that food vendors play an important role in providing necessary nutrition to their communities.
“Food vendors play a vital role in providing essential nutrition to their communities,” Osineye stated.
“Over the course of 10 editions of this workshop in various states, we have received numerous testimonials, particularly from women whose businesses have experienced significant growth. This is why as the world unites to accelerate action in creating more opportunities for women to thrive, we are excited to offer this workshop, which empowers them to build sustainable businesses and enhance their impact in this vital sector. Additionally, we aim to foster networking opportunities that enable women to forge valuable business connections and collaborations.”
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For the first time, this edition featured a panel discussion with significant figures from the food sector. Princess Esther Eruanga, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Edo State, and Dame Joy Ozigbo Ideh, Founder of Edo Caterers and Managing Director of 70’s Grill Caterers, shared their inspiring stories and provided actionable insights on how to overcome challenges in the industry.
Princess Esther Eruanga hailed the initiative, saying, “The workshop is consistent with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, emphasising the critical role women play in building communities and economies. By encouraging female food entrepreneurs, the event contributes to a more inclusive and thriving food environment.”
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Another highlight of the event was a masterclass led by Managing Director of Wedding and Things Events, Chef Vivian, who demonstrated practical skills and strategies to improve the participants’ business operations. Attendees reported considerable gains in their grasp of critical business procedures, opening the path for greater service delivery and increased revenue.
Adai Favour from Caviar Culinary Art Schools commented, “I learnt a lot from the panel talks with the specialists. This experience will benefit me when I open my own food kitchen in the future.”
The event recognised women’s achievements in the food business while also reinforcing Nestlé Professional’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment in which women may thrive. Nestlé continues to help and inspire entrepreneurs to establish successful businesses through initiatives such as the Business of Food workshop.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
