Nestlé Nigeria Invests Over N6bn In Youth Empowerment And Skill Development In 13 Years
Nestlé Nigeria underscored its commitment to youth empowerment and skill development at the recent graduation ceremony of ten young trainees from its Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Agbara.
Since the programme’s ‘s inception in 2011, the company has invested over six billion naira in upskilling young Nigerians, demonstrating its dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals, aimed at empowering them to achieve financial independence and contribute to national economy.
Graduating in the second stream of the seventh batch of the programme these young men and women completed an intensive 18-month programme that blends theoretical and practical engineering education. This rigorous training, which culminates in the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhances the employability of the participants.
With this batch, the total number of graduates from the Agbara TTC this year reaches thirty, contributing to the over 190 young professionals who have completed the programme since its inception. Notably, 97% of the programme’s graduates have been employed within Nestlé Nigeria, illustrating the programme’s success and impact.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said, “Our investment in upskilling these bright young minds over the last 13 years not only reflects our firm belief in the potential of the next generation but our commitment to enabling them to thrive.
“By bridging the technical skills gap in the industry, we are not only enhancing the employability of our youth but also empowering them to achieve financial independence, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large. This is one of the ways we are creating shared value.”
Beyond the Technical Training Centre, Nestlé’s dedication to youth empowerment is also reflected in its broader youth engagement platform, Nestlé Needs Youths Launched in 2013, this initiative aims to help young people access economic opportunities, focusing on four pillars: getting them hired, skilled, supported, and providing them with more opportunities. Through various programmes under this banner, Nestlé reaches an average of 25,000 youths annually.
Highlighting the significance of these efforts, Mr. Shakiru Lawal, the Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, stated, “We are playing our part to cushion the impact of economic challenges on the youth and prepare them for the future. Some of these initiatives include our Nesternship Programme , Nestlé Youth Development Programme, and our active participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria initiative. In all, we reach over 25,000 youth annually.”
He added that all graduates in this batch had also been employed by Nestlé Nigeria. “They have earned their place through dedication and excellence, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Nestlé family.”
In his address, delivered by the Director of State Schools Sports, Comrade Rotimi Okeleye Olarotimi, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, commended the Nestlé Technical Training Centre for its commitment to empowering young minds.
He also applauded the efforts of the graduates: “To the graduands, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and you should be proud of your achievements. The skills and training you have acquired in the Nestlé Technical Training Centre is a powerful tool that can shape your future and open doors to new possibilities. I implore you to strive for excellence in all your endeavours and make a positive impact in your chosen field.”
Also present at the ceremony were His Excellency, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, and representatives from the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), whose unwavering support has been instrumental to the success of the Technical Training Program.
About us:
Nestlé Nigeria is Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality, excellence, and commitment to creating shared value. With a heritage of more than 63 years in Nigeria and its house-hold brands, the firm continues to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food and beverage products. In addition, the firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes action to safeguard the environment through sustainable business practices.
With over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria, Nestlé produces and markets iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn, Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac
