…as the brand takes 19,670 women on a cuisine cruise
By Chris Onuoha
One thing Nestlé Nigeria has consistently done in its community social engagement is to ensure that communities across the country receive a fair share of its home-touch connection and experience its products.
The global food and beverage manufacturing giant, makes good on its corporate social responsibility commitments by ensuring that lives and homes are touched in different ways.
Women, being the most connected to homes and kitchens, smile more as their home-friendly ally, Nestlé, continues to expand its connection with the MAGGI brand.
This time, MAGGI, recognising the importance and significance of women’s forums, permeated their gatherings with a packaged culinary experience to add flavour to the events.
Meanwhile, women across the South-East region of Nigeria have created a formidable annual forum called “August Meeting.” For generations, the August Meeting forum, held simultaneously across the region every August, has brought women, both at home and in the cities, as well as those in the diaspora, together to discuss issues affecting their families and communities while celebrating the cultural and social bonds that unite them.
Recognising its significance, MAGGI heightened its participation in the annual tradition with an outreach culinary experience, engaging more than 19,000 women through a combination of food, practical nutrition and celebration.
Across the five South-East states; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, MAGGI partnered with 30 women’s associations and held five market activations, more than doubling participation from the previous year and marking its largest August Meeting engagement to date.
Following the women’s meetings, MAGGI hosted receptions featuring cooking competitions, music, gifts and appearances by Ruby Ojiakor, Blessing Obasi and Blessing Onwukwe. All three women are from South-East Nigeria and brought their own connections to the culture and significance of August Meeting to celebrations across the region.
Food was central to the experience. Culinary sessions introduced fresh and creative approaches to familiar meals, while cooking competitions gave participants the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity.
Practical nutrition sessions complemented the festivities, focusing on nutritious choices within the realities of household budgets. Discussions covered balanced and diverse diets, the importance of micronutrients, including iron, and simple considerations for planning family meals. Participants also explored the role fortified foods can play as part of a varied diet, including MAGGI products fortified with iron.
Speaking on the engagement, Funmi Osineye, Category Manager, Culinary, Nestlé Nigeria, said: “August Meeting is a powerful expression of the role women play in strengthening families, preserving traditions and driving progress in their communities. It also creates an important space for women to come together, learn from one another and share experiences.
“For MAGGI, being part of this enduring tradition is especially meaningful as we mark 60 years in Nigeria. It is an opportunity to celebrate the women who have been part of our journey while creating an experience that brings together culinary inspiration, practical nutrition knowledge and the shared joy of food and community,” she added.
The celebratory spirit was reflected across the different locations. Blessing Onwukwe, who joined the August Meeting celebrations in Enugu and Ebonyi states, said: “Joining the 2026 August Meeting celebrations in Enugu and Ebonyi states was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed every moment and am truly glad to have had the opportunity to be part of the celebrations in both states.”
For the women themselves, the food, gifts and shared experience added to the enjoyment of the occasion. Christianna Nwibo, an executive of the Catholic Women Organization, Nwofe, Ebonyi State, said: “We really enjoyed the MAGGI experience at our August Meeting. The food was delicious, the gifts were wonderful, and we had such a good time.”
Over six decades in Nigeria, MAGGI has found different ways to engage with the people who have made the brand part of their everyday lives, with women at the heart of that relationship. From the kitchen to cultural and community platforms such as August Meeting, these connections have given the brand opportunities to listen, share ideas, celebrate food and remain close to the people it serves.
The 2026 August Meeting engagement is one expression of that continuing relationship. As MAGGI marks 60 years in Nigeria, the brand remains focused on staying relevant to new generations while celebrating the people, food and traditions that have shaped its journey.
NESTLÉ STORY
Nestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone today and for future generations. With a wide range of products, including popular brands such as NESTLÉ PURE LIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ, Nestlé Nigeria is dedicated to providing nutritious and delicious food and beverages to consumers across Nigeria.
