Nestlé Nigeria has restated its commitment to youth empowerment and industrial skills development with the graduation of 20 trainees from the 8th cohort of its Technical Training Centre in Agbara, Ogun State.
The graduation, which took place over the weekend, is part of the company’s flagship Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, a global programme launched in 2013 to enable 10 million young people to access economic opportunities by 2030.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Agbara Technical Training Centre has invested more than ₦6 billion in equipping young Nigerians with technical and vocational expertise. Over 200 graduates have passed through its three centres in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji with about 95 percent securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria.
The latest set of graduates underwent an intensive 18 month curriculum in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, culminating in the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification. Five outstanding graduands are expected to embark on an eight week internship in Switzerland this October under a partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Nestlé Nigeria’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, said the programme had transformed lives and contributed significantly to the nation’s industrial growth.
“Many of our graduates have gone on to build remarkable careers, including one who now serves as a Factory Engineer in Angola, and several others excelling as Engineering and Production Supervisors,” he said. “These achievements uplift families, strengthen communities, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.”
Country Human Resources Manager, Mr. Shakiru Lawal, described the centre as a cornerstone of Nestlé’s Needs YOUth initiative, which also includes the Nesternship virtual internship programme, the Nestlé Youth Development Program, and participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria. According to him, the company reaches an average of 25,000 young Nigerians annually through various empowerment platforms.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Ms. Adenike Aderonke, NECA’s Director of Social and Labour Affairs, the Director-General of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, lauded Nestlé’s investment in skills development. He urged the graduands to uphold excellence and make positive contributions in their careers.
The Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade, also commended the initiative, noting its impact on local communities. “I am proud to see a programme that gives our youth real skills and opportunities,” the monarch said. “It is especially wonderful to see young people from my community succeeding through this initiative.”
With each cohort, the Nestlé Technical Training Centres continue to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial workforce, empowering young people with skills to pursue sustainable careers and drive national development.