By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
On a bright morning in Ogun State, applause filled the hall as twenty young Nigerians stepped forward—not as trainees, but as skilled technicians ready to enter the workforce.
For them, it was more than a graduation. It was a turning point.
For Nestlé Nigeria, it marked 15 years of a quiet but far-reaching intervention—one that continues to reshape lives, strengthen industry capacity, and redefine the future of work in Nigeria.
Where Opportunity Meets Preparation
At the Flowergate Technical Training Centre, the atmosphere carried more than celebration. It carried evidence—proof that sustained investment in young people can translate into national progress, industrial strength, and community transformation.
The graduation of these twenty trainees represents the latest milestone in a journey that began in 2011 with the establishment of the Nestlé Technical Training Centre at the Agbara Factory, later expanded to Flowergate and Abaji.
In 15 years, the initiative has trained 309 young Nigerians in hands-on technical and vocational skills, backed by an investment exceeding ₦6 billion.
The programme delivers an intensive 18-month curriculum that combines classroom instruction with rigorous industrial practice across food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations.
At its core is a commitment to global standards. Trainees earn the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification—an internationally recognised qualification that strengthens their competitiveness in Nigeria and beyond.
Building Industry, Building Futures
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, described the initiative as central to the company’s 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,” he said.
“Through the 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.”
He noted that over the past 15 years, the programme has not only strengthened Nestlé’s internal capabilities but also created a steady pipeline of skilled professionals contributing to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Turning Potential into Productivity
For the Country Human Resource Manager, Shakiru Lawal, the initiative reflects Nestlé’s broader youth development agenda under the Nestlé Needs YOUth programme.
“Our approach is simple—unlock potential through skills, opportunity, and real pathways to work,” he said. “In Nigeria, the Technical Training Centres bring this to life, with 98% of graduates transitioning into employment within Nestlé.”
He added that the programme represents shared value in action—where business needs align with youth empowerment and national development.
Voices of the Graduates.
For the graduating trainees, the experience has been transformational.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, valedictorian Mr. Samuel Oladokun described the journey as life-shaping.
“This training has gone far beyond technical skills. It has built our discipline, strengthened our confidence, and prepared us for real industrial environments,” he said. “We are leaving here as professionals—with responsibility, teamwork, and purpose.”
Wider Recognition and Impact
The initiative also drew commendation from traditional, government, and industry leaders present at the ceremony.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remo Land, represented at the event, praised the programme’s impact on local communities.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, commended Nestlé for complementing government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.
Other dignitaries—including representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, NECA, the Alliance for Youth, and the Swiss Consulate General—also acknowledged the programme as a model for sustainable workforce development.
A Legacy Still in Motion
The Technical Training Initiative remains a cornerstone of the broader Nestlé Needs YOUth strategy, which also includes Nesternship, the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, and the Alliance for YOUth initiative.
Together, they form a structured ecosystem focused on employability, skills development, and opportunity creation for young Nigerians.
Fifteen years on, the story is no longer just about training technicians.
It is about building futures—one skill, one opportunity, and one young life at a time.
