Nestlé Nigeria reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and skill development with the graduation of 20 young men and women from its Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Flowergate. This ceremony, marking the first-ever graduation at the Flowergate facility in Sagamu, Ogun State, is a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian youth with essential technical skills.
This development is even more resonant considering the burgeoning global move away from academic degrees to skills-based certification for employment purposes. Nestle has been a pioneer in this effort at equipping young Nigerians with the requisite skills which they are then able to deploy not just in the Nestle establishment but wherever else they choose to work.
Launched in 2023, the Flowergate TTC is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s broader technical training initiative which has been running since 2011. Since its inception, the program has seen over 200 young Nigerians successfully complete the rigorous 18-month curriculum. With the company investing over six billion naira in this initiative, Nestlé Nigeria continues to prioritize developing the next generation of skilled professionals to drive the country’s industrial future.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, expressed pride in the graduates’ accomplishments, saying, “For over 13 years, our commitment to nurturing young talent has reflected our confidence in the future of this generation. This year alone, we proudly graduated 70 skilled professionals across all our centers, including Agbara and Abaji, all of whom have now joined our team. For us, this program is more than just skills training—it’s about empowering young people to shape their futures and become catalysts for change. By equipping them with critical technical expertise, we are opening doors to personal growth and financial independence. Ultimately, this is a long-term investment in creating shared value, as their success extends beyond themselves, impacting their families, strengthening communities, and driving growth in the industry.”
The Technical Training Program combines theoretical learning with hands-on engineering experience and culminates in the City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly boosting the employability of the participants.
The ceremony was attended by prominent community leaders, including His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, who applauded the initiative. Other distinguished guests included the President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir; the Executive Secretary of the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers, Mr. Adewale Jones; the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Naiwo; and representatives from the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA). Tumi Onamade also represented the Alliance for Youth Initiative.
Beyond the Technical Training Centres, Nestlé Nigeria’s broader commitment to youth empowerment is embodied in its Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which helps young people access economic opportunities through various programs, reaching an average of 25,000 youths annually. The company’s efforts are part of a larger strategy to prepare Nigerian youth for the future, ensuring they can thrive in an evolving industrial landscape.
