The Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (NBC), a subsidiary of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company group, has presented a total of N2 million in grants to two outstanding female entrepreneurs in acknowledgment of their innovation, creativity, and potential for impact.
The presentation took place at the recently concluded annual Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference, themed Own. Walk. Nurture., held in Lagos.
The awardees, Toyibah Shehu Mohammed of FarhM’s Food and Sauce Global Limited and Helen Gabriel of Ogy’s Cakes, each received N1 million after emerging as winners at the WIMBIZ Entrepreneurship Masterclass. Both entrepreneurs were applauded for their innovation, resilience, and ability to generate economic value through their ventures.
While presenting the awards, Jolomi Fawehinmi, NBC’s Director of People and Culture, reiterated the company’s belief in the transformative impact of women-led enterprises.
“At NBC, we recognize that women-led businesses play a significant role in driving economic growth, and when that happens, entire communities thrive,” Fawehinmi stated. “To every woman who took part in the Entrepreneurship Masterclass, you’ve already shown your passion for progress, excellence, and impact.”
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NBC noted that its collaboration with WIMBIZ reflects its broader agenda to advance women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and inclusion across Nigeria’s corporate and business ecosystem.
In a panel session titled Leading from the Inside Out: Balancing Ambition, Vulnerability & Purpose, NBC’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Oluwasoromidayo George, joined other influential women to discuss authentic leadership, ambition, and self-awareness in the modern corporate world.
Drawing from her experience in corporate governance and sustainability, George highlighted authenticity, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability as key qualities for women aspiring to lead effectively.
“When we speak of vulnerability, I see it as being open, confident, and transparent—it fosters connection and trust, especially when interacting with people of influence and authority. Stay authentic, uphold your values, and remain true to yourself wherever you are,” she advised. “Always be kind—to yourself and others. As a woman, you must show up, and show up strong.”
For women-owned SMEs, initiatives such as this underscore the growing appreciation of female entrepreneurship as a critical driver of economic inclusion and community advancement. NBC’s continuous partnership and empowerment initiatives reaffirm the company’s dedication to supporting women in scaling their enterprises and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s overall economic development.
