Retailer reiterates commitment to women empowerment, sustainable practices

Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Ltd. (RSNL), popularly known as Shoprite, has reiterated its commitment to women’s empowerment and sustainable practices to enhance socio-economic development.

Its Interim Chief Executive Officer, Dr Folakemi Fadahunsi, made the commitment while receiving the 2025 CSR Marble Award for Excellence on behalf of the firm in Lagos.

The award, presented by AS+A Communications, was in recognition of Shoprite’s achievement in supporting social responsibility across various communities.

According to Fadahunsi, beyond trading in communities, RSNL strives to have a positive impact through various programmes that actively address unmet needs and build community resilience.

She said the firm’s sustainability programme centres on gender empowerment, solar panels, food losses and waste, fighting hunger, healthy living, local farming, and supporting entrepreneurs, among others.

According to her, the firm has 25 stores in 14 states, with over 2,000 employees, of which 56 per cent are women.

“We will do our best to continue to contribute to being socially responsible in every way; in the way we handle waste, used cooking oil, packaging, and the way we empower people in different communities”.

She appreciated AS+A Communications for the award, emphasising that RSNL’s sustainability initiatives would continue to engage in impactful activities and charitable initiatives, as well as promoting a clean and healthy environment.

Similarly, Mrs Bunmi Adeleye, Chief Strategy Officer, RSNL, noted that the firm was intentional in its support for women, assisting their reintegration after maternity leave and empowerment of women farmers and businesses.

“If you look at our portfolio of suppliers, we actually work with a lot of women-owned businesses.

“Recently, we came up with a plan to always make sure that the female owners are paid first,” Adeleye said.

She emphasised that the aim was to empower more women to become financially successful and contribute meaningfully to their families and society.

Adeleye said RSNL was passionate about building a sustainable future through the principles of a circular economy by eliminating waste and maximising resources in every step of production and consumption.

Also, Mrs Adenike Shobajo, Chief Executive Officer, AS+A Communications, expressed optimism that recognising organisations’ and individuals’ commitment to CSR would influence others to follow the strides.