For Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), gender inclusion has always been a business imperative, never a corporate luxury. The food manufacturing company has remained a consistent force, shaping the future of women. Through its groundbreaking brands and a deeply embedded culture of empowerment, FMN’s marketing and communications team is not just a passionate group driving their beloved brands to Nigerian kitchens but a formidable and intentional community of women reshaping what a great future looks like in Nigeria’s FMCG industry.
Since its incorporation on 29th September 1960, two days before Nigeria’s independence, FMN has fed the nation. But in recent years, the company has committed itself to another equally important mission: feeding the ambitions of its women. And nowhere is this more visible than in its marketing and brand communications team, where a generation of dynamic female professionals is quietly driving brand growth, shaping market perception, and rewriting the rules of inclusion in corporate Nigeria.
A Company That Walks Its Talk
FMN’s commitment to gender inclusion is not a recent headline grab. It is a decades-long structural reality, embedded in the company’s diversity and inclusion policy and anchored by groups like the FMN Women’s Network (FMNWN), a platform that provides women with access to career-boosting resources like mentorship, training, community support, and advocacy for their advancement within the organisation and across the country.
FMN is also a participating company in the Nigeria2Equal programme, led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in partnership with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). It is a commitment that signals the company’s goal to be accountable in the areas of inclusion and gender balance. This institutional seriousness has set FMN apart from its peers.
The great results from these steps have been recognised extensively. At the 2025 Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA), FMN was honoured as the Most Outstanding Food Manufacturing Company in Gender Inclusion, while its Women’s Network was separately awarded Most Outstanding Women Community of the Year in the Food Sector. These are not ceremonial trophies. They are industry affirmations of transformations that took consistency over the years to achieve great results.
The Minds of The Amazons Behind The Brand
For these Amazons leading brand strategy, category management, consumer insights, and media operations, giving isn’t charity; it’s the sharp-edged currency of success. It fuels how they mentor juniors, launch innovations, and build empires, turning personal investment into collective triumph.
Foluke Makinde, Associate Marketing Director for Core Categories, nails it: “Giving as a leader builds people and makes a lasting impact while cultivating strong, enduring relationships.” That ethos ripples outward. Oluwatooni Odewole, Associate Marketing Director of Innovation at Golden Penny Foods, frames leadership as “carrying people along and sharing wisdom to ensure what is passed to the next generation is truly impactful.” These aren’t lofty ideals; they’re battle-tested practices, etched into every product launch and team huddle.
Chiaka Eluchie, Category Marketing Lead for Ball Food, lives this by empowering others to “maximise their opportunities and unlock their potential.” Omoefe Ohworakpo, Brand Operations Media Manager, powers her world with purpose, letting it steer every campaign and collaboration. Sanusi Kuburat, Breakfast Category Marketing Manager, thrives on authenticity and creativity, tools that Golden Penny nurtures so she can grow herself, the organization, and society all at once.
This giving culture thrives on trust: ideas get heard, risks are embraced, and women step up boldly. Ramatu Manzo, Brand and Innovation Manager for Core North, calls intentional investment in people the bedrock of lasting value. Agnes Uko, Brand Manager for the Noodles Category, credits FMN’s support for equipping her to shine through “effort, resilience, and results.” Islamiyyah Jimoh, Assistant Brand Operations and Direct To Consumer Manager, champions generosity, mentorship, and collaboration as the forces reshaping women’s futures at work.
It’s reciprocal magic, too. Olaitan Osunbunmi, Category Manager for the Flour and Baking Category, sees talent grooming as a true win-win. Olaide Ademosu, Assistant Media Manager, hails mutual respect and support as the ultimate gifts women give each other. And Fatimah Okunlola, Consumer and Market Insight Executive, credits giving, learning, and collaboration for propelling her growth.
At FMN, “Give to Gain” means these Amazons don’t just lead, they multiply. By pouring wisdom, trust, and opportunity into others, they harvest unbreakable teams, bolder innovations, and a legacy that outlasts any single campaign. In 2026, it’s clear: their giving isn’t a loss; it’s the ultimate power move.
Ecosystems That Grow Women
What makes FMN distinctive is that these women did not simply land in positions of influence. The organisation built the conditions that made their growth possible. The company has seen the number of women at the management level grow by 26%, and through the Network’s quarterly mentorship programme, more women have taken on leadership roles and driven change across the organisation.
The FMNWN’s College of Mentors pairs junior staff with more experienced women within the organisation, creating accountability structures and professional clarity. Annual conferences have elevated ambition and widened perspective, from the 2022 theme of “Evolve, Innovate, Emerge” to the 2023 conference focused on “TechHER: Bridging the Tech Barriers, Building the Future,” which brought together women and key stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to explore the transformative power of technology.
The community dimension is equally powerful. Through the Girls in Action initiative, FMN’s women employees move beyond their offices into schools across Lagos, Ogun, and beyond, equipping young girls with skills, sanitary resources, digital literacy, and the confidence to dream larger. Women who benefit from internal seminars often become volunteers at these school outreaches, a virtuous cycle of empowerment in constant motion.
A Blueprint for the Industry
FMN’s story carries a broader message for Nigerian corporates: inclusion is not a cost centre but a growth strategy. When women are trusted with mandates, product launches, market expansion, consumer insight, and brand innovation, they deliver. The results visible across FMN’s brand portfolio, its market leadership in Golden Penny products, and its WIMCA recognition are not coincidental. They are the compounded return on deliberate investment in people.
As the company’s GMD/CEO Boye Olusanya has affirmed, “At FMN, we embrace the strength, resilience, and innovation that every woman brings to the table, shaping a future where equality is not just a vision but a reality.”
In an industry where women’s brilliance has too often been invisible, FMN is making it unmistakable, one brand, one category, one fearless Amazon at a time.
Meet The Amazons Behind The Brands
Giving As Leaders Builds People And Makes A Lasting Impact While Cultivating Strong, Enduring Relationships
Foluke Makinde, Associate Marketing Director-Core Categories, Golden Penny Foods
From a leadership perspective, Give-to-Gain goes far beyond the act of giving; it is a powerful currency that transcends results. For me, it is about the relationships we build, the processes we nurture, and the lasting impact we create. In the marketing space, giving takes the form of mentorship, sharing insights, developing talent, supporting others, and fostering collaboration.
Through these actions, we deepen trust, strengthen relationships, and ultimately build the very resources we seek. Working closely with younger teams has reinforced this belief. When you invest in people and consistently provide value, you create something far more meaningful than material returns. You build a sense of connection and loyalty that money simply cannot buy.
At its core, Give-to-Gain is about making a lasting impact while cultivating strong, enduring relationships.
Golden Penny Foods has demonstrated a clear commitment to gender inclusion and leadership development over the years. There has been a deliberate and consistent effort to empower women to step into leadership roles that were once out of reach. Today, we are seeing the results: more women, myself included, are advancing into senior executive positions, shaping the future of the organization.
Personally, leading a diverse team has also allowed me to extend this philosophy, mentoring and developing others into leadership roles. It is a continuous cycle of growth, where giving fuels progress, and progress, in turn, creates even greater opportunities to give.
Impactful Leadership Is Carrying People Along And Sharing Wisdom To Ensure Knowledge Is Passed
To The Next Generation
Oluwatooni Odewole, Associate Marketing Director Of Innovation, Golden Penny Foods
For me, Give-to-Gain is about creating space for others to thrive, offering people the opportunity to share their ideas and actively participate in everyday decisions. It is especially about empowering women to be seen, heard, and valued. As I progress in my career, it means lifting others alongside me, sharing knowledge, and opening doors for the next generation.
In giving, I grow. There is a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that the wisdom and experience I share can make a lasting impact. That exchange not only benefits others but also strengthens my own journey, reinforcing the idea that growth is most meaningful when it is shared.
As a woman, my experience at Golden Penny Foods has been truly empowering. The organization has given me the platform to find my voice and confidently express my ideas, particularly in the area of innovation. Time and again, I have been entrusted with opportunities to develop and execute new concepts that have contributed to the business.
Since joining Golden Penny Foods, my career has evolved significantly. I have taken on different roles, each one shaping me into the leader I am today. This growth has been made possible by an environment that encourages learning, supports ambition, and provides opportunities to excel.
One of my proudest moments is seeing the products my team and I have worked on come to life on supermarket shelves. It is incredibly fulfilling to witness these innovations resonate with consumers. These achievements are a testament to a culture that empowers people to shine, and I am grateful to be part of that journey.
Empowering People Enables Them To Maximize Their Opportunities And Unlock Potential
Chiaka Eluchie, Category Marketing Lead For Ball Food, Golden Penny Foods
Give-to-Gain is about nurturing and developing people, making a meaningful impact on their lives so they can maximize their opportunities and become the best versions of themselves. It is a deliberate commitment to helping others grow, thrive, and achieve their aspirations.
Golden Penny Foods has played a pivotal role in enabling my own growth and success. The organization has provided a platform for me to fully express my creativity across the brands I have managed. It has created an environment where I am empowered to be authentic, showcase my capabilities, and bring my ideas to life.
What stands out most is the opportunity to see the tangible impact of my contributions. The work I have done has translated into successful outcomes, reinforcing both my confidence and my passion for excellence. Golden Penny Foods’s support has not only shaped my career journey but has also empowered me to continuously strive for greater impact.
Giving With Impact Creates A Ripple Effect That Ultimately Comes Back In Multiple Folds
Sanusi Kuburat, Category Marketing Lead Breakfast, Golden Penny Foods
Give-to-Gain reflects a deep commitment to both my personal and professional growth, as well as my contribution to the development of my organisation and the people around me. It embodies the belief that I rise by lifting others. Every value I add, whether to my team, my organisation, or society, creates a ripple effect that ultimately comes back in multiple folds. In essence, what I give is not lost; it returns enriched, shaping my journey in meaningful ways.
As a female professional, Golden Penny has played a significant role in my career progression. Golden Penny Foods provide an enabling environment where women are empowered to be authentic to themselves. It is a place where creativity is encouraged, voices are heard, and ideas are not only welcomed but nurtured and transformed into impactful outcomes.
This culture of inclusion and support has allowed many of us to grow, contribute meaningfully, and thrive. Golden Penny Foods is more than just a workplace; it is a space where potential is recognised, originality is celebrated, and growth is a shared journey.
I Give My All To Gain It All, That Is Why I Let Purpose Drive Everything I Do
Omoefe Ohworakpo, Brand Operations Media Manager, Golden Penny Foods
The IWD theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates with me deeply. It empowers me, it encourages me, to give my all, to give my everything, without being consumed by the expectation of what comes back. Just give. That is what this theme reminds me to do, and honestly, it is a lesson I carry with me every single day.
Being part of Golden Penny Foods, has empowered me in so many ways. In my role as Brand Operations Media Manager, I have learned to listen, to learn, and to unlearn because growth requires all three. This platform has not only helped me become the best at what I do, but it has also allowed me to lift others along the way. And that, to me, is everything.
At Golden Penny, we give, we nourish families every day, and we empower people. That mission is a constant reminder for me to give back through my work, through my dedication, and through the value I bring to everything I handle.
As a professional, Golden Penny has helped me win by connecting me to something bigger than myself. We have an incredible array of quality products, and every day I show up to ensure I am contributing my quota to the vision of this business, creating real value for our consumers. When I am giving my best, I am winning. The quality we put out, the value we deliver, it is something I am genuinely proud to be a part of.
I love that my work brings the values of this business to life. And as long as I keep giving, I know the gains will follow.
Intentional Investment In People Builds Lasting Value
Ramatu Manzo, Brand and innovation Manager – Core North, Golden Penny Foods
Give-to-Gain is a reminder that impact and growth are never accidental, they are the result of intentional investment in people. It is about showing up with generosity, offering support, sharing knowledge, and empowering others to succeed, particularly within the communities I serve in the North.
Professionally, I have seen firsthand that when you consistently pour into your team and your community, you build far more than results, you cultivate trust, inspire loyalty, and create long-term value. This approach transforms not just outcomes, but relationships and the overall strength of the organization.
Golden Penny Foods, have provided a platform where leadership is actively encouraged and exercised. It is an environment where individuals are empowered to bring their ideas to life and contribute meaningfully to the business.
For me, working in the Northern region comes with unique dynamics and opportunities. Golden Penny has given me the autonomy and support to navigate these nuances, implement tailored initiatives, and drive impact in ways that benefit both the community and the organization. This empowerment has been instrumental in enabling me to lead with purpose and deliver meaningful results.
Golden Penny Foods Has Endowed Me To Deliver My Best Through Resilience With Results
Agnes Uko, Brand Manager, Noodles Category, Golden Penny Foods
To me, Give-to-Gain is rooted in the commitment to put in the effort and dedication required to achieve set goals and objectives. It is about consistently showing up with resilience and strength, knowing that the work invested not only drives brand success but also shapes who you are as a professional.
Every challenge and target presents an opportunity to grow, building character, strengthening resolve, and reinforcing the discipline needed to succeed. In giving your best, you ultimately gain experience, confidence, and the ability to deliver meaningful results.
As a marketing professional at Golden Penny Foods, I have been entrusted with key responsibilities and projects that directly impact real business decisions and outcomes. These opportunities have been instrumental in sharpening my skills and deepening my understanding of the business landscape.
More importantly, they have helped me build resilience, enabling me to approach every goal with determination and a results-driven mindset. Through this journey, I continue to grow, knowing that every effort invested today contributes to greater achievements tomorrow.
Generosity, Mentorship, And Collaboration Will Shape The Future Of Women In The Workplace
Islamiyyah Jimoh, Assistant Brand Operations And Direct To Consumer Manager, Golden Penny Foods
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is about one thing: generosity, both in the workplace and in society at large.
As a professional within the Golden Penny Foods, the leadership has created a space for us to truly grow and thrive. There is gender equality in how we work; there is no bullying, and everybody is given the chance to express themselves. So when I think of “give to gain,” I think of mentorship, I think of collaboration, I think of what happens when you give back and how that giving finds its way back to you.
When you give within society, in the workplace, to people who are vulnerable, to people who are still finding their footing, you build meaningful relationships, and you learn. For me, learning is everything. As a woman and a professional, I believe that giving is at the heart of it all, and being present and intentional in that space is what truly matters.
What also makes a difference is the culture, the environment, and the community of women here at Golden Penny Foods. We have support from our bosses. There is a synergy that flows from the highest level down. No one looks at your gender; what matters most is your efficiency, your capacity, and the results you deliver. At Golden Penny Foods, we work together, we win together and that, for me, makes all the difference.
Giving and Grooming People Creates A Win-Win Situation
Olaitan Osunbunmi, Category Manager -Flour And Baking Category, Golden Penny Foods
The Give-to-Gain theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is especially meaningful because it reinforces a powerful truth: nothing we invest in is ever lost. Every effort we put into building brands, advancing our careers, mentoring others, or collaborating with our teams ultimately comes back to us in meaningful ways. Whether through personal growth, emotional fulfillment, improved performance, or the visible success of the brands and businesses we nurture, the returns are undeniable. It is a continuous cycle of value creation, where giving leads to growth, and growth leads to even greater impact. Simply put, it is a win-win approach to both life and work.
Golden Penny Foods stands out as an enabling environment for female professionals. It is a place where many of us have built long, fulfilling careers, driven by a culture that is both supportive and inclusive. Here, women are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute meaningfully.
Personally, the organization has given me the confidence to find my voice and speak up, particularly in the area of innovation. I have been entrusted with opportunities to develop ideas and bring them to life, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the results reflected on store shelves today, products that my team and I have proudly launched. Beyond the work, there is a strong sense of belonging. Golden Penny feels like home, a place where purpose meets passion, and where you are empowered to grow, contribute, and truly thrive.
Mutual Respect And Support Are The Greatest Gifts We Can Give Ourselves As Women
Olaide Ademosu, Assistant Media Manager, Golden Penny Foods
In my opinion, this year’s International Women’s Day theme is about mutual respect and support amongst women, whether in the office or in society generally.
As a female professional, Golden Penny Foods has supported my growth in so many ways. The company has truly given us room to fly. As a young professional in the marketing industry, that means everything. There are women at the leadership level who provide the support we need to grow, and beyond that, our voices actually matter here. When I have a great idea, I am given the freedom to execute it, with no unnecessary interference, no one looking over my shoulder.
And it is not just the leadership that makes this place special. The working environment itself is something I genuinely appreciate. There are no bullies here. We are like a family, and that sense of belonging makes showing up every day something I look forward to.
For me, that is what this day is really about: creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to soar.
Giving, Learning, And Collaboration Have Empowered My Growth As A Woman
Fatimah Okunlola, Consumer And Market Insight Executive, Golden Penny Foods
I believe this year’s International Women’s Day theme is about collaboration and mentorship. It is about giving to those who are just starting, those who are newer to the journey and as a professional, this is something I try to live by every day. I work with a lot of people, and what I have come to understand is that when you give to those around you, you are also giving something back to yourself.
The exposure, the growth, and the tools I have gained along the way, I am proud of all of it, and I am equally proud to pass it forward.
Being at Golden Penny Foods and working in a large organisation like Golden Penny Foods has been truly eye-opening. In my role, I get to see things end-to-end, from how products are made, all the way through to delivery, and ultimately, to how our consumers receive and respond to everything we do. And that, for me, is the most powerful part. It is never just about the product itself; it is about the human experience around it, how people connect with it, what it means to them, and how their feedback shapes what we do next.
We evaluate, we learn, we go back and ask ourselves: how do we improve? How do we make the experience even better? There is a full circle to it all, and being part of that process has been both empowering and deeply fulfilling.
