Reckitt Nigeria, a leading health, hygiene, and nutrition company, has presented a total of N37.8 million to six social businesses that are making significant contributions to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in Nigeria. The funding was awarded during the recent Fight for Access to WASH Accelerator Programme held in Lagos.
The six social enterprises that received funding from Reckitt Nigeria’s WASH Accelerator Programme, with each receiving a grant of N6.3 million, include Let’s Build for Humanity, Onyeisi Care Foundation, Toilet Pride and Kiddies, Alora Reusable Pads, SOSO Care and brands. These organizations were recognized for their innovative solutions to WASH challenges faced by communities across the country.
The programme, which aimed to address critical health challenges in Nigeria through collaboration and innovation, featured a documentary showcasing the journey and impact of the social enterprises. The documentary highlighted their efforts to promote sustainable sanitation, reusable menstrual hygiene products, and other WASH initiatives.
Reckitt’s support for the winners includes five months of boot camps, over 30 hours of skill-based volunteering, 36 hours of mentorship, and continuous guidance from Reckitt mentors. The company believes that by supporting social enterprises with seed funding and mentorship, it can help build sustainable solutions that will benefit communities for years to come.
According to Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Communications and Partnerships at Reckitt sub-Saharan Africa, the WASH programme is crucial in addressing immediate hygiene challenges and promoting long-term change. “By empowering social entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed, we can create a healthier and cleaner environment for everyone,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Nonso Opurum, founder of SOSO Care, expressed his gratitude to Reckitt for the recognition and support. “The seed funding and mentorship have been invaluable in helping us scale our solutions and reach more communities in need,” he said.
The post-programme support will see the enterprises continuing to receive mentorship and guidance from Reckitt for the next 12 months to ensure the success of their businesses.
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