SOSO Care, Five Others Receive N37.8m Seed Funding From Reckitt Nigeria

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

About N37.8 million in seed funding has been given to six social businesses by Reckitt Nigeria to enable the beneficiaries to succeed in their respective solutions.

The small firms, SOSO Care, Onyeisi Care Foundation, Alora Reusable Pads, Toilet Pride, and Kiddies and Brand, participated in the WASH Accelerator programme of Reckitt in Lagos.

The initiative was organised organisation, a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, to address critical health challenges in Nigeria through collaboration and innovation.

The beneficiaries of the seed funding dazzled through a documentary titled Let’s Build for Humanity, which showcased their journey and impact.

They will receive N6.3 million each as well as five months of intensive boot camps, over 30 hours of skill-based volunteering, 36+ hours of dedicated mentorship, and continuous guidance from Reckitt mentors.

“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 the Seed fund, 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,” the Head of External Communications and Partnerships at Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Ms Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, stated.

The founder of SOSO Care, Mr Nonso Opurum, thanked “Reckitt for the support and recognition,” noting that, “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,” he added.