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In a move that underscores its commitment to youth empowerment and industrial skill development, Nestlé Nigeria recently celebrated the graduation of 20 young men and women from its newly established Technical Training Centre (TTC) at Flowergate, Ogun State.
This graduation marks a significant milestone for the company as it becomes the first-ever graduating class from the Flowergate facility, a testament to Nestlé’s ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian youth with vital technical expertise.
The Flowergate TTC, which officially opened in 2023, forms part of Nestlé Nigeria’s broader technical training initiative, an effort that dates back to 2011.
Over the past 13 years, more than 200 young Nigerians have completed the program, which offers a rigorous 18-month curriculum designed to combine theoretical learning with hands-on engineering experience.
The programme culminates in participants receiving the highly regarded City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, a qualification that significantly enhances their employability in Nigeria’s evolving industrial landscape.
The company’s investment in youth development has been substantial. To date, Nestlé Nigeria has committed over six billion naira to ensure the success of the training initiative.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, expressed pride in the graduates and reiterated the company’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent.
“For over 13 years, our commitment to developing young talent has reflected our confidence in the potential of this generation,” Mr. Elhusseini stated.
“This year alone, we proudly graduated 70 skilled professionals across all of our training centers, including those at Agbara and Abaji, who have all now joined our team.
For us, this program is about more than just imparting technical skills, it’s about empowering young people to shape their futures and become agents of change in their communities.
By equipping them with the technical expertise they need, we’re not just opening doors to personal and financial growth, but we’re also making a long-term investment in Nigeria’s future.”
The graduation ceremony at Flowergate drew a distinguished crowd, including His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, who praised the initiative for its impact on local communities.
Other esteemed guests included Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria; Mr. Adewale Jones, Executive Secretary of the Association of Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Employers; and Oluwatoyin Naiwo, Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria. Representatives from the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Alliance for Youth Initiative were also present, with Tumi Onamade representing the latter.
The programme’s importance extends far beyond the technical skills imparted. Nestlé Nigeria views this initiative as part of its broader mission to foster youth empowerment through economic opportunities.
The company’s flagship Nestlé Needs YOUth program exemplifies this mission, offering various avenues for young people to build their skills and access employment opportunities.
Each year, the initiative reaches an average of 25,000 Nigerian youths, preparing them to succeed in a rapidly changing industrial environment.
As Nestlé Nigeria continues to prioritize youth empowerment, the graduates of the Flowergate TTC serve as a shining example of the program’s success.
With technical expertise, certifications, and newfound confidence, they are poised to make significant contributions to their families, communities, and the broader Nigerian economy.
Nestlé’s long-term investment in the future of Nigerian youth is creating ripples of progress that will be felt for generations to come.
