Nestlé Powers Up Youth Potential with New Wave of Skilled Graduates

Nestlé Nigeria has taken another bold step in nurturing the next generation of talent, celebrating the graduation of 20 young Nigerians from its technical training program. The initiative, hosted at the company’s state-of-the-art Technical Training Centre, equips participants with hands-on skills in advanced manufacturing, setting them on a path to thriving careers in industry.

The program, a cornerstone of Nestlé’s commitment to youth empowerment, blends rigorous classroom learning with practical experience. Over 18 months, trainees dive into real-world challenges at the company’s facilities in Agbara and Flowergate, mastering cutting-edge techniques in manufacturing and production. Victoria Uwadia, Nestlé Nigeria’s corporate communications lead, emphasized the company’s focus on bridging the skills gap. “We’re not just training young people; we’re building a pipeline of expertise to fuel Nigeria’s industrial growth,” she said. Since the program kicked off in 2011, it has transformed 208 young Nigerians into skilled professionals, with every graduate offered a job at Nestlé.

The recent graduation ceremony buzzed with optimism, as trainees shared stories of personal growth and technical mastery. Wassim Elhusseini, Nestlé Nigeria’s managing director, hailed the graduates as proof of the company’s investment in unlocking local potential. “These young men and women are ready to lead in a competitive, fast-evolving sector,” he said. The program’s impact ripples beyond individual success, aligning with Nestlé’s broader mission to strengthen communities and drive economic progress.

Funmi Adeyemi, who heads human resources for Nestlé Nigeria, underscored the program’s role in shaping not just careers but futures. “This isn’t just about technical know-how; it’s about giving young people the confidence and tools to excel,” she said. The training center, one of three Nestlé operates across Africa, stands as a beacon of opportunity, having empowered over 1,000 youth continent-wide through various initiatives.

The ceremony also drew praise from industry leaders. Ibukun Falope, representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, called the program a game-changer for addressing the sector’s skill shortage. “Nestlé is setting a standard, showing how private-sector leadership can uplift communities and economies,” he said. Meanwhile, Humphrey Onotue, a senior official from the National Directorate of Employment, lauded the company’s focus on practical, job-ready training. “This is the kind of partnership that transforms lives and builds a stronger workforce,” he noted.

For the graduates, the moment marked a new beginning. Equipped with globally recognized certifications and real-world experience, they’re poised to make their mark. Nestlé’s ongoing investment in youth development signals a clear message: by empowering the next generation, the company is fueling a brighter, more skilled future for Nigeria’s industrial landscape.