Nestlé Professional, the out-of-home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship with the training of over 300 participants under its My Own Business (MYOWBU) initiative during a workshop held recently in Lagos.
The MYOWBU program, a youth-focused social entrepreneurship initiative, is designed to equip young people across Central and West Africa with the tools and skills to build sustainable careers in street vending. It offers much more than a platform to distribute popular beverages like NESCAFÉ and MILO—it serves as a transformative avenue for young Nigerians to access dignified work, financial stability, and a brighter future.
Speaking at the workshop, Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “We are excited to host this MYOWBU workshop in Lagos, bringing together hundreds of committed operators and attendants. At the heart of this initiative is a belief in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. This workshop is not just about technical skills, it’s about building confidence, nurturing ambition, and strengthening the community of young business leaders who represent our brands with pride and purpose,” she said.
The workshop featured expert-led sessions on business management, hygiene, food safety, waste management, and customer service. Among the facilitators were Sulaimon Abolore, Assistant Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, and Dr. Ajibabi Awosika from Nestlé Nigeria.
Mr. Abolore, speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Government, commended the initiative. “We are pleased to see this notable program organized by Nestlé, especially as it focuses on generating employment for youth, taking them off the streets. This aligns with our efforts at the state government to ensure job creation and provide opportunities for those willing to work. We commend the positive impact that the My Own Business initiative has on the economy and applaud Nestlé for this investment,” he said.
The personal testimonies shared during the workshop highlighted the profound impact of the program. Adeosun Michael, who has served as a MYOWBU operator for 20 years, said, “MYOWBU transformed my life. I was able to leave the streets, build a home, and provide for my family. This journey has taught me that consistency and hard work pay off.” Similarly, Joseph Abraham, now a Nestlé distributor, shared, “I started as a pushcart operator. Today, I’m running my own Nestlé distribution business thanks to the foundation Nestlé helped me build. Dreams do come true.”
In addition to training sessions, the event also introduced the Clean with MYOWBU initiative, which mobilized over 132 attendants in Lagos to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers. Through this environmental stewardship effort, Nestlé recovered 175.27 kilograms of post-consumer packaging waste, reinforcing its commitment to circularity and sustainability across its value chain.
Since its inception, the MYOWBU program has created over 1,500 jobs in Nigeria, providing young entrepreneurs with fully branded pushcarts, shoulder kits, training, and start-up resources. As the program continues to expand, Nestlé Professional remains steadfast in its mission to provide not just business tools but access to knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities for ownership.
Nestlé Professional serves the out-of-home foodservice industry with affordable, high-quality food and beverage solutions, catering to restaurants, cafes, hotels, catering services, and offices. With a vision to be the trusted partner of choice, Nestlé Professional is committed to helping its customers win while fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.
Nestlé Nigeria, a subsidiary of the global food giant, has operated in the country for over six decades. Through brands like MAGGI, MILO, GOLDEN MORN, CERELAC, NIDO, and NESCAFÉ, the company continues to enhance quality of life for Nigerians while investing in people, communities, and the planet.