Olam Agri has been commended for its sustained investment in women’s empowerment as 355 women graduated from its Crown Flour Angels (CFA) Baking Academy in Kano, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,004 in three years.
The graduation, held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, marked another milestone in the company’s effort to build the capacity of women through baking and entrepreneurial training.
The CFA initiative is part of Olam Agri’s corporate social responsibility project, Seeds for the Future, aimed at equipping women with practical skills that enhance their economic opportunities.
The trainees undergo a four-week intensive baking programme, covering both theory and practice, while also preparing for the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) certification.
Kano State Coordinator for NABTEB, Talatu Muazu, praised the initiative, describing it as “a commitment to excellence that will have lasting impact on young women.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Dr Goni Farouk Umar, lauded the company for providing quality facilities, professional trainers, and steady power supply to ensure effective learning.
Ambassador Yusuf Shuaibu Oganboye, Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government, Kano, said the investment would enable women to support themselves and contribute meaningfully to family upkeep.
On behalf of the Kano State Government, Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Hon. Shehu Wada Sagagi, said the empowerment of women through the academy was timely, given current economic challenges.
“What makes me happier is that the graduates are women. They now have the skills to improve their income and support households. As a government, we must continue to identify with such initiatives,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, with one of them, Aisha Ahmad Abdullahi, saying the training had boosted her confidence to start her own baking business.
Speaking on the company’s vision, Olam Agri’s General Manager and Head of Marketing, Bola Adeniji, said, “We believe real corporate success must go hand-in-hand with social impact, and empowering communities is central to our operations.”
Vice President and Managing Director of Olam Agri’s wheat-milling unit, Nitin Mehta, explained that the CFA programme was created to help women participate more effectively in the economy.
Country Head, Olam Agri, Anil Nair, added that the initiative aligned with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by focusing on women’s empowerment.
“Olam Agri originated from Nigeria in 1989. Our continued investment here is proof of our commitment to the country’s food systems and people,” he said.
