10th June, 2024
….Awards N37.8M seed funding to six social businesses
Reckitt Nigeria, a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, recently held the closing ceremony of the Fight for Access to W.A.S.H Accelerator Programme in Lagos.
The event marked the successful conclusion of this initiative, which aims to address critical health challenges in Nigeria through collaboration and innovation.
The event featured a documentary showcasing the journey and impact of these social enterprises: Let’s Build for Humanity, Onyeisi Care Foundation, Alora Reusable Pads, Toilet Pride, SOSO Care, and Kiddies and Brands.
Their groundbreaking solutions range from sustainable sanitation facilities to reusable menstrual hygiene products, addressing diverse WASH challenges faced by communities across the country. There was also a the seed fund presentation to all six enterprises, showing Reckitt’s commitment to see these enterprises succeed in their respective solutions.
The guidance and support for the programme winners include 5 months of intensive boot camps, over 30 hours of skill-based volunteering, 36+ hours of dedicated mentorship, and continuous guidance from Reckitt mentors. The seed funding of 6.3 million Naira awarded to each enterprise will further aid them in implementing their WASH projects and making a tangible difference in their communities.
Speaking at the event, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head, External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised the importance of the WASH programme, stating, that with the WASH Accelerator Programme, we believe in the positive power that business can have. When a social business has effective and self-sustaining income models, it will ensure long-term change.
“These social entrepreneurs we are championing today, inherently understand the needs of the communities where they live and work and are therefore best placed to create the solutions. By supporting these social enterprises with mentorship, training and the Seed fund, we are addressing immediate hygiene challenges and building sustainable solutions that will benefit communities for years to come.”
She continued, We are also pleased to announce the post-programme support where for the next 12 months, these enterprises will continue to receive mentorship and hand-holding from Reckitt to ensure the success of their businesses”.
One of the social enterprise owners in the WASH Accelerator Programme, Mr Nonso Opurum, Founder of Soso Care, said, “I am very grateful to Reckitt for the support and recognition. The seed funding and mentorship are crucial in helping us scale our solutions and reach the communities in need. I am especially excited and motivated to continue the amazing work we are doing, knowing that we have Reckitt’s backing to create a healthier and cleaner environment for everyone.”
This initiative is part of Reckitt’s mission to protect, heal, and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. Through the WASH Accelerator Programme, Reckitt is driving positive change and empowering communities to overcome the challenges associated with inadequate WASH access, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of Nigerians.