Nestlé Nigeria is celebrating 15 years of impact with the graduation of 20 young trainees from the Flowergate Technical Training Centre, targeting 10 million youths worldwide by 2030.

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.

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 N6 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 recognized City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhancing participants’ employability within Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, 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,” he said.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment towards continuing this journey, expanding opportunities, deepening impact, and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of the industry and the country.

The Country Human Resource Manager Shakiru Lawal, highlighted Nestle’s broader impact of the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative.

He said Nestlé’s youth development work across Central and West Africa is guided by unlocking potential through skills, opportunity, and real pathways to work.

Lawal said rhrough structured training, apprenticeships, and strong industry partnerships, the company is 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,” he added.

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.

He said the training has gone far beyond building technical skills to shaping discipline, strengthened confidence, and prepared the beneficiaries in a real and practical way 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,” he said.

The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, commended the initiative for its positive impact on local communities and reaffirmed the support of the community in sustaining such developmental programmes.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, also commended Nestlé Nigeria for its continued support of government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.

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, commended the progress of the programme and reaffirmed their continued support for its success.