LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nestlé Nigeria has celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of 20 young trainees from its Flowergate Technical Training Centre in Ogun State.
The event also marked 15 years of the company’s technical training initiative, which continues to focus on equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for industrial careers through vocational skills development to improve employability.
The programme is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, a global initiative launched in 2013 to support young people with training, experience.
Since its inception in 2011 at the Agbara factory, the Nestlé Technical Training Centre has trained 309 young Nigerians across its facilities in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji.
The company’s global goal is to reach 10 million youths by 2030 through skills development and career support.
Backed by an investment of over ₦6 billion, the programme runs an 18-month curriculum that blends classroom learning with hands-on technical training in engineering, food technology, manufacturing operations.
This session’s graduates received the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, an internationally recognized qualification that strengthens their chances of employment in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
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Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said the programme reflects the company’s long-term vision for people development.
“At Nestlé, our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come… Through the Nestlé Technical Training Centre, we are investing in the future of… 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… and created meaningful pathways for young people to thrive,” he said.
Elhusseini also reaffirmed Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to empowering more youths for the continued success of the food industry.
“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,” Elhusseini added.
Similarly, the Country Human Resource Manager, Shakiru Lawal, highlighted the impact of Nestlé Needs YOUth across Central and West Africa.
He explained that the programme is driven by a simple goal of unlocking youth potential through skills training, structured apprenticeships, and real work opportunities.
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“In Nigeria, this commitment comes to life through the Nestlé Technical Training Centres. With an impressive 98% of graduates moving into employment within Nestlé, the programme has become a key talent pipeline for the business… it reflects our purpose of creating shared value through industry knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful job opportunities,” Lawal said.
For the graduating class, valedictorian Samuel Oladokun shared how the training shaped their development beyond technical knowledge.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, while describing the training as a building block for discipline.
“This training has gone far beyond building our technical skills. It has shaped our discipline… We are grateful for the opportunity we have been given, we step forward with confidence, ready to contribute meaningfully, grow in our careers, make a positive impact wherever we find ourselves,” he stated.
Praising the initiative, the Akarigbo of Remo Land, HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, commended the programme for its community impact while reaffirming support for its continuity.
In the same vein, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, applauded Nestlé Nigeria for complementing government efforts in youth development.
Representatives from government ministries, Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, Alliance for Youth, Swiss Consulate, alongside Nestlé Nigeria leadership, noted the programme’s steady progress while expressing continued support for its expansion.
In conclusion, the Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a core part of Nestlé Needs YOUth in Nigeria, alongside programmes such as Nesternship, Youth Development Programme, and Alliance for YOUth, all focused on building employability, expanding access to skills, and creating stronger pathways for young Nigerians into the workforce.
