Nestlé Nigeria is celebrating 15 years of impact with the graduation of twenty young trainees from the Flowergate Technical Training Centre. This milestone reinforces the company’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment through the development of technical and vocational skills among young Nigerians.
The Nestlé Technical Training Centre is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, Nestlé’s global youth initiative launched in 2013 to equip young people with skills, experience, and opportunities to access meaningful employment, with a goal of reaching 10 million youths worldwide by 2030.
Since its establishment in 2011 at Agbara Factory, the Nestlé Technical Training Centre has equipped 309 young Nigerians with hands-on technical and vocational skills across its three locations in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. With an investment of over ₦6 billion, the programme delivers an intensive 18-month curriculum that combines theoretical learning with practical engineering training.
The curriculum provides comprehensive instruction in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, equipping trainees with the technical expertise required to thrive in today’s industrial environment. This culminates in the internationally recognised City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhancing participants’ employability within Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, emphasised the alignment of the initiative with Nestlé’s core purpose “At Nestlé, our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. It is this purpose that drives initiatives such as this. Through the Nestlé Technical Training Centre, we are investing in the future of our industry, our communities, and the thousands of talented young Nigerians ready to grow and excel. Over the past 15 years, we have seen firsthand how this pipeline of talent has strengthened our operations, built critical capabilities within the industry, and created meaningful pathways for young people to thrive. We remain firmly committed to continuing this journey, expanding opportunities, deepening impact, and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our industry and our nation’’
Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, highlighted Nestle’s broader impact of the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative under “At Nestlé, our youth development work across Central and West Africa is guided by a simple belief: unlocking potential through skills, opportunity, and real pathways to work. Through structured training, apprenticeships, and strong industry partnerships, we are helping young people build the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce while also strengthening the future of our industry. In Nigeria, this commitment comes to life through the Nestlé Technical Training Centres. With an impressive 98 per cent of graduates moving into employment within Nestlé, the programme has become a key talent pipeline for the business. Most importantly, it reflects our purpose of creating shared value through industry knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful job opportunities.
In his speech, the valedictorian of the graduating set, Mr. Samuel Oladokun, spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates, sharing a powerful testimony of the programme’s impact “This training has gone far beyond building our technical skills. It has shaped our discipline, strengthened our confidence, and prepared us in a real and practical way for for us to perform in demanding industrial environments. As graduates, we are leaving this Centre not only with technical competence, but also with a stronger sense of responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism. We are grateful for the opportunity we have been given, and we step forward with confidence, ready to contribute meaningfully, grow in our careers, and make a positive impact wherever we find ourselves.”
His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, who was ably represented at the event commended the initiative for its positive impact on local communities and reaffirmed the support of the community in sustaining such developmental programmes.
Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, also commended Nestlé Nigeria for its continued support of government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.
Other distinguished guests present at the ceremony included Antoinette Arkoh, Regional Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Hon Wasiu Isiaka, Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ogun State, Ms. Conny Camenzind, Consul General of Switzerland as well as representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Alliance for Youth initiative. They commended the progress of the programme and reaffirmed their continued support for its success.
The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a key pillar of Nestlé Needs YOUth in Nigeria, a global initiative focused on capacity building for young people. Other programmes under this umbrella include the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, Nesternship, and the Alliance for YOUth, all aimed at improving employability and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive.
