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| Alagbara of Agbara - HRM Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Olute III with the recipients of the Nestlé Scholarship Scheme and other dignitaries at the event. |
By Sola Charles
The second phase of the community scholarship scheme initiated by Nestle Nigeria Plc has been announced.
About 109 students drawn from the company’s host communities are currently benefitting from the scheme, which is positioned to enable deserving students to attain their educational and personal aspirations through financial sponsorship.
The scheme, in senior secondary and tertiary categories, was launched in 2020 for the host communities of the company’s factories located at Sagamu Interchange, Ogun State, and Abaji, the Federal Capital Territory, and has been extended to include the host community of the company’s third factory in Agbara, Ogun State.
Designed to grant funds to cover tuition, accommodation, uniform, books, and other expenses for the duration of beneficiaries’ education in the respective categories, the program is aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 4 - ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.
Essentially, the Nestle Community Scholarship Scheme seeks to help bridge the gap by providing financial support to help youth complete their science and technology studies in the secondary and tertiary categories.
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| (L-R) Alagbara of Agbara - HRM Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Olute III, A recipient of the Nestlé Scholarship Scheme - Miss. Yetunde Juliet Agunbiekun, Country Human Resources Manager - Nestlé, Shakiru Lawal and Nestlé Agbara Factory manager - Ibukun-Olu Ipinmoye |
Speaking at the event to introduce the scheme in Agbara, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager of Nestlé Nigeria Plc., Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka stated: “In a nation with a high youth population like ours, it is clear that communities cannot thrive if they fail to offer a future for younger generations. Nestle Community Scholarship Scheme aims to contribute toward creating a future for youth by preparing them to participate in the industry. The focus on science and technology is deliberate to build much-needed local capacity.
“We are therefore pleased to announce the extension of the scheme to deserving youths in Agbara. The scholarship awards cover the cost of tuition, accommodation, uniforms, and books for the duration of beneficiaries’ studies so long as they attain the minimum required academic performance each year.”
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Ogun State, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, represented by the Zonal Education Officer, Ado-Odo Ota, Mr. Olugbenga Kikisuhu, said: “A modest history is being recorded here today as Nestlé Nigeria PLC has taken a giant step by extending its love and generosity to better the lots of underprivileged and deserving indigenous students of Agbara community.
“One of the most important scholarship benefits to our society is that it gives us engineers, doctors, academics, lawyers and scientists from backgrounds that ordinarily could not have met up with the financial burdens of education”.
On his part, the Alagbara of Agbara Kingdom, HRM Oba (Barr.) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, Olute III avowed: “This scholarship scheme is a laudable initiative by Nestlé Nigeria PLC. I am delighted to be part of this event promoting the education and empowerment of youth in Agbara. The company has positively impacted the community over the years and we have enjoyed a good relationship”.
A beneficiary of the scholarship in the tertiary category, Rereloluwa Obafemi-Moses, a medical student at the University of Lagos, expressed her delight at being selected. She noted that the award means a lot to her as it will further motivate her to be committed to her academics. She also appreciated Nestlé Nigeria for its investment in young Nigerians.
