LAGOS: Nestlé Nigeria has marked 15 years of its technical skills development programme with the graduation of 20 young Nigerians from the Flowergate Technical Training Centre, reinforcing the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and vocational skills development.
The programme, established in 2011 at Nestlé’s Agbara Factory, is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, the company’s global youth initiative launched in 2013 to equip young people with skills, experience and opportunities for meaningful employment.
Since its establishment, the Nestlé Technical Training Centre has trained 309 young Nigerians across its three locations in Agbara, Flowergate and Abaji.
The programme has attracted an investment of more than ₦6 billion and offers an intensive 18-month curriculum combining classroom-based learning with practical engineering and technical training.
Participants receive training in areas including food technology, engineering and manufacturing operations, preparing them for the demands of today’s industrial environment.
The programme culminates in the internationally recognised City & Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, giving graduates an additional qualification to improve their employment prospects in Nigeria and beyond.
Nestlé: Investing in Nigeria’s Next Generation
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative reflects the company’s purpose of improving quality of life while creating opportunities for future generations.
According to him, the programme has, over the past 15 years, helped create a strong pipeline of technical talent while strengthening capabilities within Nestlé’s operations and the wider industry.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities and equipping more young Nigerians with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the country’s industrial development.
Also speaking, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the broader impact of the company’s youth development initiatives across Central and West Africa.
Lawal said the programme focuses on unlocking the potential of young people through skills, practical experience and pathways to employment.
She disclosed that 98 per cent of graduates move into employment within Nestlé, making the technical training programme an important talent pipeline for the company.
She added that the initiative demonstrates Nestlé’s commitment to creating shared value by combining industry knowledge, practical skills and meaningful employment opportunities.
Graduate: Training Built More Than Technical Skills
The valedictorian of the graduating class, Samuel Oladokun, said the programme had transformed the graduates beyond technical training.
He noted that the experience strengthened their discipline, confidence, teamwork and professionalism while preparing them to operate effectively in demanding industrial environments.
Oladokun expressed appreciation for the opportunity and said the graduates were leaving the centre prepared to build their careers and contribute positively to their communities and workplaces.
Community Leaders Commend Nestlé
His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, who was represented at the ceremony, commended Nestlé Nigeria for the programme’s positive impact on communities and reaffirmed local support for initiatives focused on youth development.
Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, also praised Nestlé Nigeria for supporting government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included Antoinette Arkoh, Regional Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria; Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports; and Conny Camenzind, Consul General of Switzerland.
Representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Alliance for Youth initiative were also present.
The stakeholders commended the progress of the technical training programme and reaffirmed their support for its continued success.
Part of Nestlé’s Global Youth Initiative
The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a key component of Nestlé Needs YOUth in Nigeria, which focuses on developing young people’s skills and improving their employability.
Other programmes under the initiative include the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, Nesternship and Alliance for YOUth, all designed to create pathways for young Nigerians to gain relevant skills, experience and employment opportunities.
With the latest graduation, Nestlé Nigeria says it remains committed to expanding its investment in youth development and building a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of contributing to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
About Nestlé Nigeria
Nestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company with more than 63 years of operations in Nigeria. The company produces and markets household brands including MAGGI, MILO, GOLDEN MORN, NESTLÉ PURE LIFE and CERELAC.
With more than 2,300 direct employees, three factories and seven branch offices across Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria says it remains focused on providing nutritious food and beverages, supporting communities around its operations and promoting sustainable business practices.
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