Nestlé Nigeria underscored its commitment to youth empowerment and skill development at
the recent graduation ceremony of ten young trainees from its Technical Training Centre
(TTC) in Agbara.
Since the program’s inception in 2011, the company has invested over six billion naira in
upskilling young Nigerians, demonstrating its dedication to fostering the next generation of
skilled professionals.
Graduating in the second stream of the seventh batch of the program, these young men and
women completed an intensive 18-month program that blends theoretical and practical
engineering education. This rigorous training, which culminates in the City and Guilds of
London Technicians’ Certification, significantly enhances the employability of the
participants.
With this batch, the total number of graduates from the Agbara TTC this year reaches thirty,
contributing to the over 190 young professionals who have completed the program since its
inception. Notably, 97% of the program’s graduates have been employed within Nestlé
Nigeria, illustrating the program’s success and impact.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria,
said, “Our investment in upskilling these bright young minds over the last 13 years not only
reflects our firm belief in the potential of the next generation but our commitment to enabling
them to thrive. By bridging the technical skills gap in the industry, we are not only enhancing
the employability of our youth but also empowering them to achieve financial independence,
enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large. This is
one of the ways we are creating shared value.”
Beyond the Technical Training Centre, Nestlé’s dedication to youth empowerment is also
reflected in its broader youth engagement platform, Nestlé Needs YOUth. Launched in 2013,
this initiative aims to help young people access economic opportunities, focusing on four
pillars: getting them hired, skilled, supported, and providing them with more opportunities.
Through various programs under this banner, Nestlé reaches an average of 25,000 youths
annually.
Highlighting the significance of these efforts, Mr. Shakiru Lawal, the Country Human
Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria, stated, “We are playing our part to cushion the impact
of economic challenges on the youth and prepare them for the future. Some of these
initiatives include our Nesternship Program, Nestlé Youth Development Program, and our
active participation in the Alliance for Youth Nigeria initiative. In all, we reach over 25,000
youth annually.” He added that all graduates in this batch had also been employed by Nestlé
Nigeria. “They have earned their place through dedication and excellence, and we are
thrilled to welcome them to the Nestlé family.”
In his address, delivered by the Director of State Schools Sports, Comrade Rotimi Okeleye
Olarotimi, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor
Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, commended the Nestlé Technical Training Centre for its
commitment to empowering young minds. He also applauded the efforts of the graduates:
“To the graduands, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to you. Your hard work, dedication,
and perseverance have paid off, and you should be proud of your achievements. The skills
and training you have acquired in the Nestlé Technical Training Centre is a powerful tool that
can shape your future and open doors to new possibilities. I implore you to strive for
excellence in all your endeavors and make a positive impact in your chosen field.”
Also present at the ceremony were His Excellency, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukman
Jayeola Agunbiade, and representatives from the Nigeria Employers Consultative
Association (NECA, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), whose
unwavering support has been instrumental in the success of the Technical Training Program.
