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.