By Seun Ibiyemi
Nestlé Nigeria Plc has announced a 98 per cent employment rate for graduates of its technical training programme, underscoring the impact of its sustained investment in youth skills development and industrial capacity building.
The company made the disclosure during the graduation ceremony of 20 trainees from its Flowergate Technical Training Centre, held to mark the 15th anniversary of the initiative.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the programme—launched in 2011 at Nestlé’s Agbara factory—has trained 309 young Nigerians across its centres in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. It forms part of the global Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative introduced in 2013 and has attracted over ₦6 billion in investment.
The 18-month programme combines classroom instruction with hands-on technical training in food technology, engineering, and manufacturing operations, leading to the internationally recognised City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to creating shared value through capacity building and youth empowerment.
“We are investing in the future of our industry and communities by equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed,” he said.
The Country Human Resource Manager, Shakiru Lawal, described the programme as a key talent pipeline for the company, noting that its high employment rate reflects its effectiveness in preparing participants for the workplace.
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He added that Nestlé’s youth development programmes across Central and West Africa are designed to strengthen industry capacity while creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Graduating trainee, Mr Samuel Oladokun, said the training equipped participants with technical competence, discipline, and confidence needed to thrive in industrial environments, expressing gratitude to the company for the opportunity.
Traditional and government representatives also commended the initiative, including the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo Land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, represented at the event, and Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu.
Other dignitaries present included officials from the Ogun State Government, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, and the Alliance for Youth initiative.
