Firm gives N37.8m seed funding to social businesses

A  health, hygiene, and nutrition company, Reckitt Nigeria, has awarded N37.8m  to six social businesses for their contribution to water, sanitation, and hygiene in Nigeria.

The funds were given during the Fight for Access to WASH Accelerator Programme held in Lagos recently.

The event marked the successful conclusion of an initiative aimed at addressing critical health challenges in Nigeria through collaboration and innovation.

The beneficiaries, which got N6.3m each, were Let’s Build for Humanity, Onyeisi Care Foundation, Alora Reusable Pads, Toilet Pride, SOSO Care, and Kiddies and Brands.

The social enterprises featured a documentary showcasing their journey and impact through sustainable sanitation to reusable menstrual hygiene products, addressing diverse WASH challenges faced by communities. The seed fund presentation showed Reckitt’s commitment to seeing these enterprises succeed.

The guidance and support for winners include five months of boot camps, over 30 hours of skill-based volunteering, 36 hours of mentorship, and continuous guidance from Reckitt mentors.

Head of External Communications and Partnerships at Reckitt sub-Saharan Africa, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, emphasised the importance of the WASH programme, stating that with the WASH Accelerator Programme, they believed in the positive power that business can have.

Uzo-Ogbugh said, “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 seed funds, we are addressing immediate hygiene challenges and building sustainable solutions that will benefit communities for years to come.

“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 and  Founder of Soso Care, Mr Nonso Opurum, 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.”