Women play crucial roles in nurturing families with good nutrition as well as boosting the economic growth of communities through daily engagement in workplaces. However, many women suffer from unemployment or are exposed to various forms of vulnerability, making them unable to meet the food and economic needs of their families and communities.
In 2023, data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) indicated that 2.33 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity globally, while 58 percent of Africans faced the same challenge, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The situation was worse in 2021, with World Bank statistics showing that 78 percent of Africa’s population was unable to afford a healthy diet.
While several factors like climate change, insurgency, and economic instability contribute to this data, the high rate of unemployment among women is also a major factor fueling food insecurity and economic depression. World Bank records affirm this, showing that countries with the highest female unemployment rates include Eswatini (36.7 percent), Djibouti (35.9 percent), and South Africa (34.5 percent) in 2023. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) further corroborates this, revealing a notable disparity in Nigeria’s female unemployment population, showing that only 36 percent of over 50 percent of women who make up the population are employed formally.
Nestlé’ Maggi bridging gaps in nutrition education and community development
In its characteristic way of providing solutions to community and national issues, Nestlé Nigeria, through its iconic seasoning brand, Maggi, rose to bridge the gap in food security and community development by sponsoring the 2025 August Meeting across five South-Eastern states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
Usually celebrated in August annually, the August Meeting is a decades-old tradition that unites Igbo women, both at home and abroad, to deliberate on family, social, and community development.
The 2025 edition of the Maggi August Meeting reached more than 8,100 women across 18 locations throughout August, providing nutrition education, culinary demonstrations, and engaging conversations on family well-being and economic empowerment.
Equipping South-East women with nutrition and entrepreneurial skills
By partnering with this powerful platform, the Nestlé star brand deepened its connection with women, who remain at the heart of its brand purpose. For this year’s event, the brand curated experiential programs to equip women with practical knowledge and tools to make healthier food choices and foster stronger, more resilient communities.
In an exclusive interview with Pharmanewsonline, Funmi Osineye, Maggi Category Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, shared how the programme was designed to be relevant to women’s real-life experiences. “We focused on practical insights — how to cook nutritiously on a budget, how to reduce food waste, and how to make healthy choices even with limited resources.
“Beyond nutrition, the conversations also touched on family values, unity, and the critical role women play in nurturing the next generation. The fireside chats and interactive sessions provided a safe space for women to share experiences and learn from one another.”
She further highlighted the impact of Nestlé Maggi’s involvement in the August Meeting, noting that it was about strengthening the social fabric of the community. “When women are informed, confident, and connected, families and communities thrive,” she said.
Nestlé Maggi: Celebrating women’s contributions to community development
While data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that many women in the South-East region rely on small-scale trade and food businesses to support their families’ incomes and community development, Maggi’s celebration of these women’s resilience is a remarkable effort.
“We are proud to support this cherished custom that celebrates the contributions women make to the socio-economic development of their communities,” remarked Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Lead.
“Partnering with the August Meeting allows us to honor women for the difference they make every day, while demonstrating our commitment to building stronger families and stronger communities.”
The event celebrated and honored exemplary women leaders and rising stars in the community, who were specially recognized with awards for their remarkable contributions.
The brand spiced up the occasion with the presence of Nollywood favorites like Ngozi Nwosu, Blessing Obasi, and Uzo Osimkpa, embodying the beauty, strength, and creativity of the Igbo woman.
Reflecting on her experience, Uzo Osimkpa shared: “Growing up, I witnessed the significance of the August Meeting in Igbo culture. For my mother, it wasn’t just a tradition; it was a duty. Every year, she traveled back home to join other women in shaping community progress. To be a part of Maggi August Meeting is more than participation; it is a privilege, a way to honor my mother’s legacy, and a testament to the enduring strength of Igbo womanhood.”
Participants’ testimonials of Maggi’s August Meeting
The impact of Nestlé’s iconic brand sponsorship of the 2025 August Meeting was deeply felt by participants, who shared their stories exclusively with Pharmanewsonline below:
Recognising our little contributions to community development is great – Akachukwu
Mrs. Christiana Ogbeyealu Akachukwu, a 59-year-old widow and trader who resides in Abia State, had only attended the Maggi August Meeting once, but the recognition given to women’s efforts at the occasion was a great inspiration for her. “We feel recognised because MAGGI came to celebrate us and show that what Ibo women are doing in our little way is big in their eyes,” she said. “We are very important. Food is important, even our gathering of women for making important decisions is important. Also, our businesses are important for us to be successful.”
I’ve got better understanding of nutritional values – Uche
For Madam Precious Uche, 45, a resident of Ebonyi State, she disclosed how the programme expanded her knowledge about the nutritional values of foods and equipped her to make better nutritional decisions for her family. “It has helped my understanding of the nutritional value of foods. There is strength when women from the community gather for good reasons.”
Gained more insights about breastfeeding to teach younger women – Joseph
Mrs. Faith Joseph, a 48-year-old trader in Anambra State, is a two-time attendee of the Nestlé Maggi August Meeting. She shared what stood out for her in the 2025 edition of the programme: “I learnt a lot about breastfeeding. Also, MAGGI is the best of all. With this knowledge, I can teach other women in my family and community. Women have vital roles in the community by their teaching, training younger ones, and guiding them with their experience.”
Commendation for Nestlé’s Maggi August Meeting
Though an annual event in Igbo cultural heritage, the Nestlé Maggi–sponsored August Meeting has been adjudged the best of all August Meeting celebrations in the country, as participants gave it excellent marks with nothing to add. When asked about any limitations of the programme, participants responded affirmatively: “To my best observation, Maggi did very well in the programme,” said Uche.
Mrs. Joseph and Mrs. Akachukwu responded respectively, “I love everything about Maggi, they did perfectly well.” “None really.”
Nestlé Maggi’s involvement in the 2025 August Meeting stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to empowering Nigerian women through nutrition education and economic upliftment. By equipping women with practical skills, celebrating their contributions, and strengthening community bonds, Maggi continues to spice lives—not only in kitchens but across generations of resilient, visionary women.
