Business and Brand
Interswitch Awards ₦10 Million to Winners of Technovation 4.0 Hackathon
Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has successfully concluded the Grand Finale of its Technovation 4.0 Hackathon, awarding a total of ₦10 million in cash prizes to top teams whose innovative solutions stood out during the rigorous multiple phases of the competition. The one-day finale event, which took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Interswitch Innovation Lab and Co-Working Space, brought together employees, senior leaders, judges, and key stakeholders to celebrate months of ideation, experimentation, and product development under the theme ‘The Wicked Hackathon’. At the close of the highly competitive session, Team Quickteller Fashion emerged as the overall winner, securing the grand prize of ₦4,000,000 for a solution that impressed judges with its originality, practicality, and strong strategic relevance. Team Kampe claimed second position with ₦2,500,000, while Team Stable placed third, receiving ₦1,500,000. Up to N300,000 worth of cash prizes were also awarded to the 4th, 5th and 6th qualifying teams. Now in its fourth edition, Technovation has evolved into a flagship internal innovation platform for Interswitch since its inception in 2022, empowering employees to tackle complex organisational and industry challenges by developing scalable technology solutions aligned with the company’s strategic priorities. Speaking at the event, Adaobi Okerekeocha, Chief Innovation Officer, Interswitch, highlighted the significance of the programme in strengthening the company’s innovation culture.“Technovation continues to reflect who we are as an organisation, bold, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to building impactful solutions from within. Over the years, we have seen ideas conceived during this programme evolve into meaningful capabilities that strengthen our ecosystem. The passion, discipline, and ingenuity demonstrated by our teams this year reinforce our belief in the power of African innovation to solve complex challenges and shape the future of technology on the continent,” Eromosele said. For nine months, cross-functional teams from across the organisation collaborated to conceptualise, validate, develop, and refine solutions, moving from raw ideas to minimum viable products (MVPs) with ready-to-market potential and deployment across the business. The atmosphere at the Grand Finale reflected that of preparation and anticipation as the top 9 teams presented their innovations through live demonstrations and detailed pitches, fielding questions from a distinguished panel of judges before the top 3 winners were selected. Each presentation highlighted rigorous validation processes, thoughtful market considerations, and a strong emphasis on measurable impact. While many of the solutions remain confidential due to their strategic relevance, the diversity and depth of ideas showcased during the Hackathon’s Grand Finale underscored the organisation’s growing culture of intrapreneurship and structured innovation. The projects illustrated how technology-driven thinking can unlock efficiencies, strengthen operational capabilities, and open new pathways for growth across the digital payments and commerce ecosystem. Beyond the competition itself, Technovation reinforces Interswitch’s long-term commitment to nurturing internal talent, encouraging experimentation, and creating a structured pipeline for transforming ideas into tangible business outcomes. As the fourth edition draws to a close, the programme stands as a testament to Interswitch’s ongoing investment in people, innovation, and the future of Africa’s digital economy.
Business and Brand
Plateau Grocery Seller Wins ₦5 Million as Golden Morn Golden Hunt Rewards Nigerians
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
Business and Brand
Nestlé Nigeria Celebrates 15 Years of Impact with 20 Graduates fromFlowergate Technical Training Centre
Nestlé Nigeria is celebrating 15 years of impact with the graduation of twenty young
trainees from the Flowergate Technical Training Centre. This milestone reinforces
the company’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment through the
development of technical and vocational skills among young Nigerians.
The Nestlé Technical Training Centre is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, Nestlé’s global
youth initiative launched in 2013 to equip young people with skills, experience, and
opportunities to access meaningful employment, with a goal of reaching 10 million
youths worldwide by 2030.
Since its establishment in 2011 at Agbara Factory, the Nestlé Technical Training
Centre has equipped 309 young Nigerians with hands-on technical and vocational
skills across its three locations in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. With an investment
of over ₦6 billion, the programme delivers an intensive 18-month curriculum that
combines theoretical learning with practical engineering training.
The curriculum provides comprehensive instruction in food technology, engineering,
and manufacturing operations, equipping trainees with the technical expertise
required to thrive in today’s industrial environment. This culminates in the
internationally recognized City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification,
significantly enhancing participants’ employability within Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the alignment of the
initiative with Nestlé’s core 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. It is
this purpose that drives initiatives such as this. Through the Nestlé 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. Over the past 15
years, we have seen firsthand how this pipeline of talent has strengthened our
operations, built critical capabilities within the industry, and created meaningful
pathways for young people to thrive. We remain firmly committed to continuing this
journey, expanding opportunities, deepening impact, and empowering the next
generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our industry and our
nation’’
The Country Human Resource Manager Shakiru Lawal, highlighted Nestle’s broader
impact of the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative under “At Nestlé, our youth development
work across Central and West Africa is guided by a simple belief: unlocking potential
through skills, opportunity, and real pathways to work. Through structured training,
apprenticeships, and strong industry partnerships, we are helping young people build
the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce while also strengthening the
future of our industry. In Nigeria, this commitment comes to life through the Nestlé
Technical Training Centres. With an impressive 98% of graduates moving into
employment within Nestlé, the programme has become a key talent pipeline for the
business. Most importantly, it reflects our purpose of creating shared value through
industry knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful job opportunities.
In his speech, the valedictorian of the graduating set, Mr. Samuel Oladokun, spoke
on behalf of his fellow graduates, sharing a powerful testimony of the programme’s
impact “This training has gone far beyond building our technical skills. It has shaped
our discipline, strengthened our confidence, and prepared us in a real and practical
way for for us to perform in demanding industrial environments. As graduates, we
are leaving this Centre not only with technical competence, but also with a stronger
sense of responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism. We are grateful for the
opportunity we have been given, and we step forward with confidence, ready to
contribute meaningfully, grow in our careers, and make a positive impact wherever
we find ourselves.”
His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount
Ruler of Remo Land, who was ably represented at the event commended the
initiative for its positive impact on local communities and reaffirmed the support of
the community in sustaining such developmental programmes.
Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and
Technology, Ogun State, also commended Nestlé Nigeria for its continued support of
government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.
Other distinguished guests present at the ceremony included Regional Human
Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Antoinette Arkoh, Hon Wasiu Isiaka
Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ogun State, Ms. Conny
Camenzind, Consul General of Switzerland as well as representatives from the
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative
Association (NECA), and the Alliance for Youth initiative. They commended the
progress of the programme and reaffirmed their continued support for its success.
The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a key pillar of Nestlé Needs YOUth
in Nigeria, a global initiative focused on capacity building for young people. Other
programmes under this umbrella include the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development
Programme, Nesternship, and the Alliance for YOUth, all aimed at improving
employability and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive.
l-End-
About us:
Nestlé Nigeria is Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality,
excellence, and commitment to creating shared value. With a heritage of more than
63 years in Nigeria and its house-hold brands, the firm continues to ensure the
availability and accessibility of nutritious food and beverage products. In addition, the
firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes action to safeguard
the environment through sustainable business practices.
With over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria,
Nestlé produces and markets iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn,
Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac.
Business and Brand
Nestlé Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development Partner to Establish Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre
Nestlé Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development Partner to Establish Dairy Technical Skills Development CentreNestlé Nigeria Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to establish a Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre in Paikon Kore, Gwagwalada, as part of efforts to strengthen technical capacity, improve milk quality, and enhance productivity within Nigeria’s dairy sector.

The Centre, to be located at the Nestlé Dairy Demonstration Farm, builds on the company’s ongoing Livestock Development Project (NLDP). It reflects a deliberate progression of interventions, from the launch of the Demonstration Farm in 2025 to the signing of a Letter of Intent on World Milk Day 2025. Together, these milestones signal the transition from pilot initiatives to full implementation and a more structured, scalable approach to skills development across the dairy value chain.The collaboration will deliver structured training programmes and targeted interventions focused on:• Strengthening on-farm practices across milk production, processing, hygiene, and farm management• Developing industry-relevant technical skills in collaboration with key stakeholders• Improving value chain coordination and milk quality outcomes across local dairy clustersSpeaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, Wassim Elhusseini, said, “At Nestlé, we have been working over the years to strengthen the dairy value chain in Nigeria. What we have seen is clear, when capability improves, outcomes follow. This partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development allows us to expand the reach of our structured approach to building the skills required to improve productivity, enhance quality, and support long-term sustainability in the sector.”He added that the company’s investment in dairy development has consistently focused on creating shared value for communities while supporting the growth of a resilient local supply base.Since 2019, the Nestlé Livestock Development Project has been working with dairy communities in Nigeria to improve milk quality, increase productivity, and strengthen livelihoods. To date, the initiative has established 83 dairy cooperatives, benefiting over 3,000 milk producers and aggregating more than 1 million litres of raw milk. More than 2,000 pastoralists have been trained, over 36,744 cattle vaccinated, and key infrastructure introduced to support production.Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, said: “Nigeria’s dairy sector holds significant potential, but unlocking it requires stronger technical capability across the value chain. This partnership represents a practical step towards improving productivity and quality, and I commend Nestlé Nigeria for their continued commitment and proven track record through the Nestlé Livestock Development Project, demonstrating what is possible when the right systems are in place. At the Ministry, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports investments such as this, ensuring that policy and partnerships work together to drive meaningful impact and build a more resilient and competitive dairy industry.”The Minister noted that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Dairy Policy under the National Development Plan, which aims to catalyse growth in the livestock and dairy sectors while enhancing food security and economic opportunity.Following the signing of the MoU, both parties will move into implementation, including finalizing the training framework, preparing the site at the Demonstration Farm, and commencing phased rollout of the programme in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.The Dairy Technical Skills Development Centre will provide a structured platform for training and capacity building, with a focus on developing mid-level technical skills that are critical to the long-term sustainability of the sector. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with national standards and industry needs.By scaling proven interventions and strengthening technical capability, the partnership contributes to building a more resilient dairy sector that supports livelihoods, strengthens local prod
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