Nestlé Nigeria Marks 15 Years of Technical Training Impact, Celebrates Graduation of 20 Trainees at Flowergate Centre
By The People’s Voice Nigeria
Nestlé Nigeria has marked 15 years of its Technical Training Centre initiative with the graduation of 20 young trainees from the Flowergate Technical Training Centre, reinforcing its long-term commitment to youth empowerment and skills development in Nigeria.
The milestone underscores the company’s ongoing investment in technical and vocational education aimed at preparing young Nigerians for meaningful employment in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.
The Nestlé Technical Training Centre is part of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, launched in 2013, which aims to equip young people with skills, experience, and employment opportunities, with a target of reaching 10 million youths worldwide by 2030.
Since its establishment in 2011 at the Agbara factory, the programme has trained 309 young Nigerians across its three centres located in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. With an investment exceeding ₦6 billion, the initiative delivers an 18-month intensive curriculum that blends classroom instruction with hands-on industrial training.
The programme covers key areas such as food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, and leads to the internationally recognised City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, enhancing the employability of graduates within Nigeria and globally.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative reflects the company’s broader mission to improve lives through nutrition and opportunity.
“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 Nestlé Technical Training Centre, we are investing in the future of our industry, our communities, and young Nigerians ready to grow and excel. Over the past 15 years, we have seen how this pipeline of talent has strengthened our operations and created meaningful pathways for young people to thrive.”
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities and deepening its impact on youth development and industrial capacity in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, highlighted the broader impact of Nestlé’s youth development initiatives across Central and West Africa.
“Our commitment is driven by a simple belief: unlocking potential through skills, opportunity, and real pathways to work,” he said. “In Nigeria, this comes to life through the Technical Training Centres, where up to 98% of graduates transition into employment within Nestlé. The programme strengthens both individual careers and the long-term capability of our industry.”
Representing the graduating class, valedictorian Mr. Samuel Oladokun described the training as transformative, noting its impact on discipline, confidence, and workplace readiness.
“This training has gone far beyond technical skills. It has shaped our discipline, strengthened our confidence, and prepared us for demanding industrial environments,” he said. “We are leaving with competence, responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism, ready to contribute meaningfully wherever we find ourselves.”
The ceremony also received commendations from traditional and government representatives. His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, represented at the event, praised the initiative for its positive impact on host communities and reaffirmed community support for its continuation.
Similarly, Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, commended Nestlé Nigeria for complementing government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.
Other dignitaries present included Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, 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 all praised the programme’s impact and pledged continued support.
The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a core pillar of Nestlé Needs YOUth in Nigeria, alongside programmes such as the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development Programme, Nesternship, and the Alliance for YOUth, all aimed at improving employability and preparing young Nigerians for the workforce.
