More than 41,000 Nigerians have received rewards through the NESCAFÉ Next Level Promo, with four consumers winning business grants, professional equipment and entrepreneurship training aimed at helping them grow their businesses.

The nationwide campaign, organised by Nestlé Nigeria under its NESCAFÉ brand, ran from April to June 2026 and attracted more than 240,000 entries. Participants purchased promotional sachets of NESCAFÉ Original 3-in-1, entered unique codes and competed for airtime, cash prizes and business support.

The four grand winners were selected from different parts of Nigeria, highlighting the nationwide reach of the campaign.

They are Yusuf Najimdeen from Plateau State, Jennifer Sunday from Kaduna State, Nwojiji Chukwu Emeka from Ebonyi State and Ani Ikechukwu Olalanya from Lagos State.

Each winner received a business grant, professional tools suited to their trade—including software development, make-up artistry, photography and fashion design—and access to specialised masterclasses to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills.

Why it matters

Small businesses remain a major source of employment and income in Nigeria, but many entrepreneurs struggle to access finance, equipment and training.

Corporate-backed initiatives that combine financial support with skills development are increasingly being used to encourage entrepreneurship, particularly among young Nigerians facing limited employment opportunities.

While promotional campaigns are often designed to reward customer loyalty, programmes that provide business development support can have a longer-term economic impact by helping beneficiaries expand their enterprises.

Nestlé says campaign supports consumer aspirations

Wassim Elhusseni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the promotion reflected the company’s commitment to creating value beyond selling products.

“At Nestlé, our purpose is to enhance the quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. While we deliver on this purpose through the nutritious, high quality products we provide, we also strive to create meaningful value for our consumers and the communities we serve. The NESCAFÉ Next Level Promo is one of the ways we express this commitment, rewarding the loyalty and trust of our consumers while supporting their aspirations with opportunities that can make a lasting difference.”

Jean-Pierre Duplan, Category Lead, Coffee, Nestlé Nigeria, said the campaign recognised the ambitions of many consumers.

“At NESCAFÉ, we understand that behind every cup is someone pursuing a goal, building a business or working towards a better future. The NESCAFÉ Next Level Promo was designed to reward the loyalty of our consumers while providing meaningful support that empowers them to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. It reflects our belief that when ambition is supported with the right opportunities, great things can happen.”

Winner: ‘I never imagined it would change my life’

Jennifer Sunday, one of the grand prize winners from Kaduna State, said buying a single sachet of NESCAFÉ unexpectedly transformed her business prospects.

“When I bought a sachet of NESCAFÉ, I never imagined it would change my life. Today, I have received a business grant, a professional make-up kit and the opportunity to learn from industry experts through a masterclass. This experience has given me hope and renewed my confidence to keep building my business. I sincerely thank NESCAFÉ for this incredible opportunity.”

Expert perspective

Business development specialists say access to finance alone is often insufficient for small businesses to thrive. Combining funding with mentorship, professional training and industry exposure can improve the chances of business survival and growth.

Analysts also note that consumer promotions tied to entrepreneurship are becoming more common as brands seek to build stronger relationships with customers while contributing to economic development.

Industry and public perspective

Marketing experts say campaigns that offer practical business support rather than one-off cash prizes are likely to leave a stronger impression on consumers and enhance brand loyalty.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, initiatives that provide equipment, training and networking opportunities may be more valuable than financial rewards alone, particularly in sectors where start-up costs are high.

Inside the Agbara factory

As part of the programme, the grand winners toured Nestlé Nigeria’s Agbara Factory, where they observed the production processes and quality standards involved in manufacturing NESCAFÉ products.

The visit gave the winners an opportunity to understand how the coffee brand is produced while strengthening consumer confidence in the manufacturing process.

What’s next

Nestlé Nigeria said the conclusion of the promotion marks another step in its broader youth empowerment strategy.

The company said the campaign complements its My Own Business (MYOWBU) initiative, which provides aspiring entrepreneurs with business skills, confidence and opportunities to establish sustainable enterprises.

If expanded, initiatives that combine consumer engagement with entrepreneurship support could provide additional opportunities for young Nigerians seeking to build successful businesses.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have renewed their commitment to closer collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement and information sharing as both agencies seek to improve public confidence and strengthen national security efforts.

The renewed partnership was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Anietie Okokon, to the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday.

The meeting formed part of CSP Okokon’s familiarisation tour after assuming office and focused on strengthening cooperation between the communication departments of both agencies.

Why it matters

Security experts have long argued that effective communication between government agencies is essential for tackling misinformation, improving crisis response and building public trust.

For Nigerians, stronger collaboration between the Customs Service and Police could help deliver clearer public information, improve awareness of security operations and encourage greater confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The meeting also came as 70 officers and personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit were inducted into the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), highlighting the agency’s growing investment in professional and ethical public communication.

Customs: Communication builds stronger institutions

Speaking during the visit, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, welcomed the engagement and praised the Police for promoting stronger partnerships among public communication professionals.

“The NCS values its longstanding relationship with the NPF. Today’s engagement presents another opportunity to strengthen professional collaboration between our Public Relations Units and collectively contribute towards building stronger institutions through effective communication and stakeholder engagement,” Maiwada said.

He said both organisations share responsibility for shaping public perception, strengthening stakeholder confidence and supporting government policies through effective communication.

Police: Partnership essential for national security

Earlier, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Anietie Okokon said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening relationships with other government agencies, particularly in areas that improve public trust and institutional performance.

He said strategic communication has become increasingly important in modern governance and security management.

“This visit is aimed at further strengthening the cordial relationship between the NPF and the NCS, while enhancing collaboration in strategic communication, public engagement, and information sharing. As institutions serving the Nigerian people, we must continue to work together to promote professionalism, transparency, and effective communication in support of our national security objectives.”

Expert perspective

Public relations and governance specialists say coordinated communication among security agencies can reduce conflicting public messages during emergencies, improve accountability and help citizens better understand government policies and security operations.

They also note that professionally trained public relations officers play an increasingly important role in combating misinformation, especially on digital platforms where false information spreads rapidly.

Public perspective

Many Nigerians have consistently called for greater cooperation among security agencies, not only in operations but also in communicating accurate and timely information.

Analysts believe unified messaging can reduce confusion, improve public confidence and encourage stronger cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

What’s next?

The renewed engagement is expected to pave the way for more joint communication initiatives, professional exchanges and coordinated public awareness campaigns between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force.

Observers say continued collaboration could strengthen institutional transparency while supporting broader national security objectives.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a popular content creator, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, widely known as “Odogwu of Asaba,” over allegations that he raped a 20-year-old woman who later died.

Police said the arrest followed a petition alleging that the woman travelled to Asaba on 1 June after the suspect invited her for what was presented as content creation training advertised through his social media platforms.

What police say happened

According to the Delta State Police Command, the woman was allegedly taken to a hotel after arriving in Asaba, where she was allegedly raped and physically assaulted.

Police said she later returned home traumatised and informed her parents about the incident.

Investigators said the woman also recorded a video before her death in which she described her alleged ordeal and the emotional distress she experienced afterwards.

According to police, she later ingested a toxic substance and died despite efforts to save her.

The allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Police launch investigation

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, ordered an immediate investigation after receiving the petition.

The Command said officers from the Area Command, Effurun, began investigations, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said that during preliminary investigations, the suspect “made useful statements to the Police,” while detectives continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case.

The statement did not indicate whether the suspect had been formally charged in court.

Commissioner promises justice

The Commissioner of Police assured the victim’s family that the investigation would be thorough.

According to the police statement, “The Commissioner of Police… has assured the family of the deceased and the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that no aspect of the allegations will be overlooked.”

He added that the Command remains committed to ensuring “the investigation is conducted professionally and that appropriate legal action is taken in accordance with the law.”

Why it matters

The case has renewed attention on concerns about sexual violence, online recruitment through social media, and the need for stronger protection of young people seeking opportunities in Nigeria’s growing digital content industry.

It also highlights the importance of timely reporting of alleged sexual offences and ensuring survivors have access to medical, legal and psychological support.

Expert perspective

Legal practitioners say allegations of rape resulting in death require investigators to gather medical, forensic, digital and witness evidence to determine criminal responsibility.

They also note that prosecutors must establish the facts independently before any criminal liability can be determined in court.

Public and industry reaction

The arrest has generated widespread discussion on social media, with many users calling for a transparent investigation and justice for the deceased.

Women’s rights advocates have also renewed calls for stronger enforcement of laws protecting survivors of sexual violence and greater awareness of safe recruitment practices for aspiring content creators.

What happens next

Police say investigations are continuing.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, prosecutors will determine whether criminal charges should be filed against the suspect.