Seaman’s Schnapps has partnered with the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATCO) to embark on a transformative initiative aimed at empowering artisans in Ibadan through a three-day program. This collaboration seeks to enhance the livelihoods of various trades such as tailoring, auto mechanics, and bricklaying by providing essential tools necessary for their continued success. The initiative included the distribution of vital equipment, including sewing machines for tailors, wheelbarrows and head pans for bricklayers, and shovels for auto mechanics, which are crucial for improving their operations and efficiency. Seaman’s Schnapps positions this effort as not only a contribution of physical resources but as part of a broader vision for fostering prosperity among artisans in Nigeria.
The selection process for beneficiaries was facilitated by NATCO, ensuring that the artisans receiving tools were chosen based on clear criteria relevant to their trades. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, the Senior Brand Manager for Seaman’s Schnapps, explained the rationale behind the initiative, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to supporting its consumers on their personal and financial journeys. Uche-Onyenacho articulated that the initiative reflects the brand’s cultural significance, as it is deeply rooted in tradition and the blessings associated with it. By assisting artisans, Seaman’s Schnapps aims to intertwine spiritual significance with practical support, resonating with a belief that the provided tools will serve as instruments of blessings and prosperity for the recipients.
Uche-Onyenacho reinforced the unique relationship that Seaman’s Schnapps has nurtured with artisans over the years, recalling how they have used the drink in ceremonial contexts such as graduations to invoke success. By providing both spiritual and material support, the initiative seeks to create an environment where artisans can pursue and realize their dreams. Uche-Onyenacho also shared ambitious plans for the initiative to expand across Nigeria, describing the current program as merely the starting point for a larger movement aimed at nurturing talent and securing prosperity for more artisans throughout the country.
The positive reception from various stakeholders highlights the significance of this initiative within the community. Adebisi Adeniyi, the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade and Industry, commended Seaman’s Schnapps during the tool handover ceremony, celebrating their approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Adeniyi noted that the program stands as a testament to genuine corporate leadership, as it actively addresses the needs of local artisans and contributes to their enablement and success. This recognition from state officials reinforces the importance of integrating social responsibility into business practices as a means of fostering community well-being.
Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed heartfelt gratitude, providing personal testimonies that underscore the program’s transformative impact on their lives. Auto mechanic Agboola Malik spoke about the fresh opportunities that the received tools would afford him, stating that he feels empowered to undertake larger jobs and improve the quality of his work. Similarly, tailor Orisadare Damilola viewed the sewing machine as more than a tool; she saw it as a pivotal opportunity for growth and professional development. These expressions of appreciation reflect the profound influence such initiatives can have on individual lives and underscore the potential for businesses to enact meaningful change within their communities.
The initiative has also garnered support from Grand Oak Limited’s Marketing Manager, Gbemileke Lawal, who acknowledged that the artisans’ initiative aligns seamlessly with Seaman’s Schnapps’ core values and legacy. He noted that the program exemplifies the brand’s commitment to blessing humanity during significant life events and contributing to personal development across different contexts. This collaboration not only reinforces Seaman’s Schnapps’ role in the social fabric of Nigerian culture but also sets a precedent for how businesses can engage with and uplift communities, providing a model for corporate involvement that prioritizes genuine impact over mere profit.
