Olam Agri empowers 1,004 women with life-changing Baking Academy

Olam Agri has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment with the graduation of another 355 women from its Crown Flour Angels (CFA) Baking Academy, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,004 in just three years.

The CFA Baking Academy, a flagship programme under Olam Agri’s Seeds for the Future (SFTF) initiative, offers a four-week intensive training in baking and entrepreneurship.

The programme not only provides practical skills but also ensures professional certification through the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), giving participants an edge in establishing sustainable businesses.

Commending the initiative, NABTEB’s Kano State Coordinator, Talatu Muazu, described the programme as a model of excellence.

“Helping the women acquire top baking skills and enrol for professional certification under the same programme is a testament to the Crown Flour Angels initiative’s commitment to excellence. These efforts will have a lasting impact on these young lives,” she said.

Representing the Deputy Governor of Kano State, the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Hon. Shehu Wada Sagagi, highlighted the programme’s significance for women.

“Considering the plight of women in our society and the economic situation, our women need to be empowered to raise their incomes. I am delighted with what Olam Agri is doing for these women,” he stated, urging government alignment with such initiatives.

Graduates expressed gratitude for the opportunity, with Aisha Ahmad Abdullahi noting how the academy transformed her skills and confidence in pursuing a baking business.

“The skills and insights I have acquired have raised my confidence in building a baking business. I am grateful to Olam Agri,” she said.

Speaking on the company’s vision, Bola Adeniji, General Manager/Head of Marketing at Olam Agri, explained: “We believe that real corporate success must go hand-in-hand with social impact. Among our most impactful initiatives is the Crown Flour Angels programme.”

Nitin Mehta, Vice President and Managing Director of Olam Agri’s wheat-milling unit, added that the initiative equips women with market-ready skills that contribute to household support and broader economic growth. Anil Nair, Country Head of Olam Agri, linked the programme to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the company’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s food security and women’s empowerment since its establishment in 1989.

With more than 1,000 women already empowered, Olam Agri says it will continue to invest in building resilient food systems and enabling communities to thrive.