Empowering Nigeria’s Future: Nestle Nigeria Plc’s Youth Development Initiatives

By Adeleke Paul Olubanwo

Nestle Nigeria Plc is revolutionizing youth empowerment through comprehensive programs focused on education, skills development, and economic growth. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals is steadfast, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Education and Skills Development

Nestle’s Technical Training Centre offers vocational training in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and culinary arts. The Nestle Youth Empowerment Program (NYEP) provides skills training, mentorship, and internship opportunities. Scholarship programs support tertiary education for outstanding students.

Economic Empowerment

Nestle’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiative promotes entrepreneurship and small business development. The Youth Entrepreneurship Program offers funding, training, and mentorship for young entrepreneurs. The Micro-entrepreneurship Program empowers women and youth through micro-businesses.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Nestle partners with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector companies to amplify youth development impact.

Community Engagement

Career guidance workshops, mentorship programs, and community development projects support local youth.

Impact

Over 25,000 youths trained annually through NYEP, 500+ scholarships awarded, and 1,000+ micro-businesses established.

Nestle Technical Training Centre Graduation Ceremony

Recently, ten young trainees graduated from the Agbara Technical Training Centre, marking the seventh batch. Since 2011, Nestle has invested over six billion naira in upskilling young Nigerians.

Managing Director’s Remarks

“Our investment in upskilling these bright young minds reflects our firm belief in the next generation’s potential and our commitment to enabling them to thrive.” – Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria.

Nestlé Needs YOUth Initiative

Launched in 2013, this platform helps young people access economic opportunities through four pillars: getting hired, skilled, supported, and providing more opportunities.

Country Human Resources Manager’s Remarks

“We are playing our part to cushion the impact of economic challenges on the youth and prepare them for the future.” – Shakiru Lawal, Country Human Resources Manager at Nestlé Nigeria.

Nestle Nigeria Plc’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment is shaping the future of Nigeria, one young mind at a time.