By: HighCelebritySquard
Nestlé Nigeria PLC has announced the second phase of her community
scholarship scheme for youth of her host communities. The scholarship scheme
is positioned to enable deserving students of her host communities attain their
educational and personal aspirations through financial sponsorship.
The scheme which was launched in 2020 for the host communities of the
company’s factories located at Sagamu Interchange, Ogun State and Abaji,
Federal Capital Territory, has been extended to include the host community of the
company’s third factory in Agbara, Ogun State.
The scheme which is in two categories, senior secondary and tertiary, will grant
funds to cover tuition, accommodation, uniform, books and other expenses for the
duration of beneficiaries’ education in the respective categories.
This program is aligned to Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 4 – ensure
inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning
opportunities for all by 2030. Education is key to prosperity as it opens a world of
opportunities.
Several factors including inadequate infrastructure, lack of opportunities,
accessibility and affordability are top issues limiting access to quality education in
Sub Saharan Africa. The Nestlé Community Scholarship Scheme seeks to help
bridge the gap by providing financial support to help youth complete their science
and technology studies in the secondary and tertiary categories.
Speaking at the event to introduce Nestlé Scholarship scheme in Agbara, the
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager of Nestlé Nigeria PLC,
Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka said, “In a nation with a high youth population like ours, it
is clear that communities cannot thrive if they fail to offer a future for younger
generations. Nestlé Community Scholarship Scheme aims to contribute towards
creating a future for youth by preparing them to participate in industry. The focus
on science and technology is deliberate to build much needed local capacity.”
“We are therefore pleased to announce the extension of the scheme to deserving
youths in Agbara. The scholarship awards cover the cost of tuition,
accommodation, uniforms and books for the duration of beneficiaries’ studies so
long as they attain the minimum required academic performance each year.”
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Ogun
State, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, represented by the Zonal Education Officer,
Ado-Odo Ota, Mr. Olugbenga Kikisuhu, commended Nestlé for the initiative. He
said, “A modest history is being recorded here today as Nestlé Nigeria PLC has
taken a giant step by extending its love and generosity to better the lots of under-
privileged and deserving indigenous students of Agbara community. One of the
most important scholarship benefits to our society is that it gives us engineers,
doctors, academics, lawyers and scientists from backgrounds that ordinarily could
not have met up with the financial burdens of education”.
On his part, the Alagbara of Agbara Kingdom, HRM Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola
Agunbiade, Olute III said, “This scholarship scheme is a laudable initiative by
Nestlé Nigeria PLC. I am delighted to be part of this event promoting the education
and empowerment of youth in Agbara. The company has positively impacted the
community over the years and we have enjoyed a good relationship”.
One of the beneficiaries of the scholarship in the tertiary category, Rereloluwa
Obafemi-Moses, a Medical Student of the University of Lagos, expressed her
delight at being selected as one of the beneficiaries of the scheme. She said that
the award means a lot to her as it will further motivate increased commitment to
her academics. She also appreciated Nestlé Nigeria for its investment in young
Nigerians.
The event had stakeholders including community leaders, youth leaders,
principals of beneficiary secondary schools, parents and education officials in
attendance.
109 students drawn from the company’s communities around Owode-Egba,
Sagamu, Abaji and Agbara currently benefit from the scheme. They were selected
based on their academic performance and rigorous verification processes.
The company continues to make a meaningful difference in her host communities
by creating initiatives to help youth unlock their potential. Through the scholarship
scheme, Nestlé continues to help building the next generation of science and
technology professionals. This is another of the many ways through which the
company Creates Shared Value to help build thriving communities.
L-R: Alagbara of Agbara – HRM Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Olute III, A recipient of the Nestlé Scholarship Scheme – Miss. Yetunde Juliet Agunbiekun, Country Human Resources Manager – Nestlé, Shakiru Lawal and Nestlé Agbara Factory manager – Ibukun-Olu Ipinmoye
Alagbara of Agbara – HRM Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Olute III with the recipients of the Nestlé Scholarship Scheme and other dignitaries at the event.
