Nestlé Nigeria has graduated 20 trainees from its Flowergate Technical Training Centre under the company’s global youth empowerment initiative aimed at supporting 10 million young people by 2030.
The graduation ceremony also marked 15 years of the company’s investment in technical and vocational training for young Nigerians seeking careers in manufacturing, engineering and food technology.
The training programme is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, a global initiative launched in 2013 to improve access to skills development and employment opportunities for young people. Since the Technical Training Centre was established in 2011 at the company’s Agbara factory, 309 Nigerians have completed training across centres located in Agbara, Flowergate and Abaji.
Nestlé Nigeria said it has invested more than N6 billion into the programme, which runs for 18 months and combines classroom learning with practical technical experience in engineering, manufacturing operations and food technology.
Graduates of the programme also receive the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification.
Speaking during the graduation event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to youth development and industry growth in Nigeria.
“Through the Nestlé Technical Training Centre, we are investing in the future of our industry and communities,” he said.
“Over the past 15 years, this pipeline of talent has strengthened our operations and created opportunities for young Nigerians.”
Elhusseini added that the company plans to continue expanding the programme to equip more young Nigerians with technical and employability skills.
Also speaking at the event, the Country Human Resource Manager of Nestlé Nigeria, Shakiru Lawal, said the programme has recorded strong employment outcomes, with about 98 per cent of trainees securing jobs within Nestlé after graduation.
“Through structured training and partnerships, we are helping young people build skills and access real pathways to work,” he said.
The valedictorian, Samuel Oladokun, said the programme helped participants develop technical competence, discipline and professionalism needed in the workplace.
Stakeholders at the event, including representatives of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Alliance for Youth initiative and officials of the Ogun State Government, also commended the programme for supporting youth development and technical education in Nigeria.
