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Coca-Cola’s Catalyst For Change 2.0 Drives Women Empowerment in Lagos, Empowers 1062

Published

3 years ago

May 18, 2022

L-R: Olubukola Bamiduro, Founder, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation; Femi Bamiduro, Chairman, Karis and Eleos Foundation; Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria; Frank Alarapon, Head, Retail Segments, Wema Bank at the closing ceremony of the 4th series of the Catalyst for Change 2.0 initiative at the Onigbongbo Community, Lagos, May 11th, 2022.

The community of Onigbongbo, Lagos, was in a joyous mood on Wednesday, May 18, as 1062 women were equipped with transformative skills through the Coca-Cola Foundation-funded women empowerment initiative, Catalyst for Change 2.0, to enhance their economic standards and quality of life for themselves and their families.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Maryland, marked the conclusion of another edition of the initiative in Lagos, bringing the total number of empowered communities in Lagos to 9 out of 10.

Catalyst for Change 2.0 is one of Coca Cola’s several women empowerment and youth development initiatives, and has delivered economic empowerment to a total of 9,062 women through vocational skills such as pastry making, shoemaking, fashion designing, makeup artistry, wig making, tie and dye, household essentials and bag making.

Participants in financial literacy and business management classes learned about bookkeeping, personal and product branding, social media management, and customer relationship management.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director, Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria, commended the beneficiaries and challenged them to continue using the skills gained through the program.

“I am heartened by the great achievements of previous participants of this program. When women work, economies thrive, and women empowerment increases productivity. The sponsorship of this project is in line with our Africa sustainability platform JAMII focused on wealth creation for women and youths. The system is thrilled about the outcomes and impact stories, and I anticipate that this batch of beneficiaries will attain a better degree of achievement,” she said.

The goal of this initiative, according to Onyemelukwe, is to constantly lower the number of disadvantaged women in the society and integrate them into a growth trajectory that generates value for their families and society.

She added that the recycling knowledge garnered from the training should be capitalized on by the beneficiaries as a supplementary source of income while ensuring community sanitation.

“The Waste to Wealth initiative is one of Coca-Cola’s numerous recycling projects aimed at promoting recycling by collecting PET waste and converting it to monetary value or food items. This practice is a source of value and additional revenue for women who own businesses or work in the corporate sector. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to promote financial inclusion in our society.’’

On her part, Bukola Bamiduro, founder, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, the programme implementing partner, advised the beneficiaries to continuously create value in their communities through the application and transmission of knowledge while uplifting themselves, thereby leading to the formation of a cycle of trans-generational businesses.

She thanked the Coca-Cola Foundation for financially supporting the project and Wema Bank for the financial opportunities offered to the beneficiaries to ensure a better standard of living.

Amaka Igboaziahia, an outstanding alumna of the Catalyst for Change 2.0 in the Surulere community, recounted her experiences during the occasion.

Igboahazia, who now runs an Ottoman upholstery business as well as a confectionery startup, urged the programme’s participants to make the best use of the tools and skills they gained.

“Rather than sitting passively at home, employ these skills you have gained to construct a better life for yourselves,” she said. I understood what I wanted out of the program from the first day, and I continually enhanced my efforts toward launching my business,” she said.

Also speaking, Adeyemi Adebimpe, a beneficiary from the Onigbongbo community, also conveyed her appreciation to the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Karis and Eleos Foundation for the opportunity.

“I am grateful to both foundations for this life-changing experience, and I can’t wait to start my business with all I’ve learnt. Being a part of this program has transformed my perspective on being self-sufficient, and I intend to pass this information on to other women in my life,” she stated.

Chinyere Nwigwe, another programme beneficiary, expressed confidence in her ability to account for her funds while running her shoe making and fashion designing businesses as a result of the business lessons she took during the program.

So far, a total of 1,800 women have received start up kits/seed capital to start businesses out of the 9,000 women who have participated in the program.

About Coca-Cola Nigeria
Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited is a total beverage company, offering one of the world’s most valuable brands, Coca-Cola. Our company portfolio includes valuable beverage brands, such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, 5Alive juices, Eva water, Schweppes and Limca. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.

News

U.S.-based Nigerian, Ogieva, Honoured As Grand Award Judge

Published

1 hour ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

A U.S.-based Nigerian and visionary in geoscience and data innovation, Mathew Ogieva, has continued to leave an indelible mark on global Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics advancement.

Ogieva, in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, said he served as Grand Award Judge at the 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 75th ISEF was held from May 10 to May 17 in Columbus, Ohio, the world’s largest annual STEM competition for pre-college students

It is an annual science fair in the United States, owned and sponsored by the Society for Science, a non-profit organisation based in Washington, DC.

Ogieva, therefore, described the event as “the world’s largest and most prestigious science competition featuring nearly 1,700 participants from over 60 countries.

“In the Earth and Environmental Sciences category, I helped to evaluate over 70 groundbreaking projects, bringing my expertise and passion to the forefront of global youth innovation.

“My influence spans coast to coast and beyond, having judged at California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF 2025) – California Lutheran University, Earth and Environmental Science category.”

He said that his judging legacy was not just on projects, but in igniting purpose and mentorship across continents.

“I am currently serving on the 2026 CSEF Judging Advisory Committee.

“State Science Day & STEP Fair (Ohio, April 2025) – Under the Ohio Academy of Science, Terra NYC STEM Fair (March 2025) – Held at New York University – Tandon School of Engineering
“Technovation Girls Global Competition (2025) – Evaluating tech solutions by girls in over 60 countries and Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS, May 2025) – Championing science excellence among youth in Virginia,” he said.

NAN reports that Ogieva’s extraordinary ability lies not only in scientific expertise but in uplifting the next generation of global problem-solvers, and he is proud to strengthen ties in Nigeria to advance scientific innovation.

NAN

News

Okpebholo Inaugurates Boundary Dispute Committee In Edo

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

Edo State governor, Monday Okpehbolo, has inaugurated boundary committee to address persistent boundary disputes affecting communities in the state and bordering neighboring states.

Inaugurating the committee chaired by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor, who expressed confidence in the 14-man committee, noted that no doubt every boundary dispute would be settled by the committee.

“We have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of Edo people,” he noted.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Hon. Idahosa expressed gratitude for the opportunity, pledging the committee’s commitment to its crucial task.

He noted: “Mr. Governor, I want to thank you for this opportunity and deeply hold on to accept the responsibility to serve as the chairman of the newly-inaugurated boundary committee”

“On behalf of all members of this committee, I wish to express our sincere gratitude and acceptance of this responsibility, which we pledge to discharge in fairness, transparency, and integrity.”

Idahosa highlighted the committee’s objectives: “This committee will strive to carry out our mission which is to ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”

He added: “We appreciate His Excellency for the confidence reposed in us and with the diverse expertise of these prominent citizens of this committee. I am confident that we will achieve our goal with fairness and equality.

“It is a privilege to contribute our quota as we are proud to serve our State and our nation with utmost dedication and professionalism.”

Members of the 14-man committee include: Dr. Samson Osagie, CP Monday Agbonika, Mr. Isaac Chikere, M. C. Monyei, Surv. Henry Aghedo, Sir Lucky Eseigbe, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu and a representative of the Oba of Benin.

Others are: Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Hon. Abasi Braimah, and Hon. Patrick Ikhariale. Surv. Ozigbo Osayande Duke will serve as the secretary.

News

Threat To Life: Gbaramatu Wants Security For kantu, Ijaghala Communities

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

Gbaramatu Traditional Council (GTC), has called on security agencies including the Delta State government to provide security to the people in Ijaghala ( Zou-ala uba) and Ikantu (Kantu) communities in the kingdom.

The GTC said the call became necessary and timely over an alleged threat on the leadership of these communities by suspected Itsekiri elements after they (Ijaghala ( Zou-ala uba) and Ikantu) reaffirmed their position as Ijaw and Gbaramatu people.

Speaking at a press briefing in Warri, Delta State, the Fiyewei (spokesman) of the kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, said the leadership of Gbaramatu Kingdom has been inundated with calls over threat to evacuate and kill members of Kantu and Ijaghala communities.

According to him, the threats were coming due to the fact that the aforementioned communities had decided to reaffirm their position as Ijaw and Gbaramatu people.

The Fiyewei, flanked by other chiefs of the kingdom, insisted that the law provides freedom of association, adding that Ijaghala and Ikantu people should be allowed to associate with their Ijaw progenitors.

He warned against any attempts to attack Ijaw Ijaghala and kantu people, adding that they will vehemently resist such threats, and will not cede any parcel of land to Itsekiris migrants.

He lamented over the suspected murder of the Gbaramatu Ijaw illustrious son in Tebijor community in the recent time, warning that such should not repeat itself again.

The Fiyewei warned that Itsekiris who are issuing threat to Ijaw should desist, stressing that “in case they are ignorant about the ownership of such lands, they should ask their fathers about their origin and their migration history.”

He added: “In case their fathers had died, they should find any means to exhume their bodies, so they could provide a guide to modern Itsekiri youth who do not know where they came from.”

He said the Kantu and Ijaghala ( Zou-ala uba) people had decided to trace their true origin, stating that they should be allowed to enjoy their freedom of life and association.

Gbenekama, maintained that lie had an expiry date, noting that Itsekiris were glorifying themselves with lies, and that such lies have expired.

The Ijaw leaders insisted that Ijaghala, Kantu, Omadinor and Obodo were ancestry lands of Ijaw people, adding that the elders of the Itsekiri were conversant with these facts.

He, on behalf of the traditional council, called on the federal government to investigate the Warri traditional ruler who was accused of gun running and brought him and others to book, stating that the gun running was an attempt to attack and kill the Ijaw and Gbaramatu people of Warri federal constituency.

The Gbaramatu leaders, therefore, urged INEC to complete the delineation exercise, adding that there was outright peace in Warri and its environs, stressing that the delay in completing the Warri delineation exercise wasn’t for the interest of peace.