Nestlé Nigeria Celebrates First Graduation from Technical Training Centre, Strengthening Youth Empowerment Initiative

Olasunkanmi Oduntan –

Nestlé Nigeria has officially marked a significant milestone in its commitment to youth empowerment and skills development with the graduation of 20 young men and women from its newly established Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Flowergate. This event represents the inaugural graduation at the Flowergate facility and underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian youth with essential technical skills.

Launched in 2023, the Flowergate TTC is part of a larger initiative that Nestlé Nigeria has been pursuing since 2011. Over the years, more than 200 young Nigerians have successfully completed the comprehensive 18-month curriculum offered by the program. With an impressive investment exceeding six billion naira, Nestlé Nigeria continues to play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals, aimed at bolstering the nation’s industrial landscape.

Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, addressed the graduates during the ceremony, emphasizing the company’s long-standing commitment to nurturing young talent. “For over 13 years, our focus on empowering young people reflects our belief in their potential,” he stated. “This year alone, we have graduated 70 skilled professionals across all our centers, including Agbara and Abaji. Our program is not merely about acquiring skills; it’s about enabling youth to shape their futures, attain financial independence, and drive positive change within their communities.”

The Technical Training Program is designed to offer a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on engineering experience. Graduates receive the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, which significantly enhances their employability and readiness for the job market.

The graduation ceremony drew the attention of prominent figures, including His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, who lauded the initiative’s impact. Other distinguished attendees included Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria; Adewale Jones, Executive Secretary of the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers; and Oluwatoyin Naiwo, Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria. Representatives from the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Alliance for Youth Initiative, including Tumi Onamade, were also present.

Nestlé Nigeria’s dedication to youth empowerment extends beyond the TTC through its Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative. This program aims to provide economic opportunities to an average of 25,000 youths each year, reflecting the company’s comprehensive approach to preparing Nigerian youth for an ever-evolving industrial landscape.

With its robust investment in youth training and development, Nestlé Nigeria is not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the broader economic growth of the nation. By fostering skills and encouraging innovation, the company is playing a crucial role in shaping a prosperous future for Nigeria’s youth and its economy.