Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and skill development with the graduation of 20 young trainees from the 8th cohort of its Nestlé Technical Training Center, Agbara. The programme is part of the broader Nestlé Needs YOUth program, a global commitment launched in 2013 with the goal of enabling 10 million young people across the globe to access economic opportunities by 2030.
Since it was established in 2011, the Nestlé Technical Training Centre, Agbara, has invested over ₦6 billion in equipping Nigerian youths with key technical and vocational skills.
The initiative provides comprehensive training in food technology, engineering, and production operations, offering participants the practical expertise needed to succeed in today’s industrial landscape.
By equipping young Nigerians with employable skills, the programme not only aids individual growth but also boosts the nation’s industrial capacity and sustainable economic development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, hailed graduates of the programme for establishing brilliant careers after the initiative.
Hailing beneficiaries for making the most of their individual lives, he appreciated them for doing all they can to impact their families and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“Each graduation ceremony is a true privilege because it allows us to witness firsthand the life-changing impact of the Nestlé Technical Training Center.
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. From this class, five outstanding graduates will embark on an eight-week internship in Switzerland starting this October, under the framework of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Embassy of Switzerland in Nigeria.
There, they will sharpen their technical expertise and gain valuable global exposure. These achievements go far beyond individual success, they uplift families, strengthen communities, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, said that the company will keep empowering young Nigerians with employability, skills development, support, and access to opportunities.
He concluded by saying that Nestlé Nigeria deserves a lot of praise for positively impacting the lives of 25,000 Nigerian youths annually.
“The Nestlé Technical Training Center is a cornerstone of Nestlé Needs YOUth, which empowers young people across Nigeria through four key pillars: employability, skills development, support, and access to opportunities.
Beyond the training centers, our initiative includes programs such as the Nesternship Program, a virtual internship platform that allows young people to gain practical experience remotely; the Nestlé Youth Development Program, which provides training and mentorship to enhance employability; and our active participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, a collaboration offering apprenticeships, traineeships, and job opportunities.
Through these efforts, we reach an average of 25,000 young people annually, helping them build fulfilling careers and contribute to the growth of our communities,” he added.
