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COMFORT EKELEME, Business Editor
For the thirteenth consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has empowered more than twenty young Nigerians through the Technical Training program in its factory at Agbara.
The participants received scholarships and training to attain the highly recognized City & Guilds certifications.
In addition, the top five students were given the opportunity to conclude their training with an eight-week apprenticeship at two of Nestlé’s technical sites in Switzerland (Orbe and Broc).
Equipped with their newly acquired skills, the graduating batch are ready to embark on their engineering careers with Nestlé in Nigeria.
The Nestlé Technical Training Program in Nigeria is part of Nestlé’s global Needs Youth initiative. Its objective across the three centres in Agbara, Abaji and Flowergate is to enhance the employability of young Nigerians by providing them essential skills in Mechanical, Electrical, and Automation Engineering.
The Agbara training centre is run in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat of Migration (SEM).
Nestlé Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa, Remy Ejel said, “Africa has the largest population of young people globally, with 70per cent of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30.
“It is crucial to help the younger generations reach their full potential and support economic growth by offering opportunities for skill development and employment. Nigeria is an important country to Nestlé.
“We’ve been there for more than 60 years and are proud of our contributions to its development. This partnership not only helps meet the demand for skilled labor in Nigeria but also supports the local economy and aligns with Nestlé’s broader objectives of enhancing youth employability,” he said.
Since its inception in 2011, the program has received an overwhelming response, with an average of 10,000 applications annually.
Each year, up to 60 apprentices are selected through a rigorous assessment process to ensure quality training and personalized attention.
The program includes 18 months of intensive theoretical and practical training for participants, who receive certifications in level 3, 4 and 5 of City & Guilds of London upon completion.
Dolapo Adedoyin Okunola, 25, is a program graduate aspiring to become a Technical Manager. The highlight of her experience was participating in impactful projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and machine validations, while collaborating with a diverse and talented team.
She also enjoyed the opportunity to learn basic French and explore the picturesque Swiss landscapes. “The Nestlé Technical Training Program has significantly enhanced my abilities and expanded not just my skills and academic knowledge but also my experiences of different cultures and languages.
“The comprehensive training I received in Nigeria, combined with my internship in Switzerland provides me a competitive edge in the corporate world. I am confident that this program has laid a strong foundation for my career,” he said.
The program not only enhances the technical skills of talented young Nigerians but also fosters cultural understanding and knowledge sharing between Switzerland and Nigeria.
His Excellency Osuobeni Rawlings Krobari, Chargé D’Affaires of Nigeria to Switzerland and Liechtenstein added: “I am delighted to see the program’s success in enhancing the employability of young people in Nigeria. A skilled workforce is vital for our long-term growth.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on their achievements. I encourage them to view their new skills as not only a foundation for their careers but also an opportunity to be ambassadors for their generation, by sharing knowledge and best practices with their peers,” he said.
To date, the program has benefited close to 230 trainee graduates, with 98% securing employment at Nestlé Nigeria. Nestlé and SEM jointly invest in the program, reflecting their commitment to provide more economic opportunities to youth.
Ms. Valérie Gass, Policy Advisor, State Secretariat for Migration SEM, said: “This program was launched the same year as the migration partnership between Switzerland and Nigeria, which aims, among other things, to create greater economic opportunities locally.
“The program is an excellent example of a successful Swiss public-private partnership that effectively addresses challenges and creates meaningful opportunities. We take great pride in this initiative and remain committed to supporting youth in Nigeria,” he said.
The Nestlé Technical Training Program consists of three programs run by Nestlé Nigeria in its factories in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji.
In 2024, a total of 70 top-performing young Nigerians from these programs completed apprenticeships. This initiative is just one example of how Nestlé is helping youth become more employable across Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
Drawing inspiration from the Swiss dual education system to combine theoretical and practical training, Nestlé aims to create a positive impact in the countries where it operates by leveraging global expertise alongside local insights.
The global Nestlé Needs YOUth program was launched in 2013 and aims to help 10 million young people around the world access economic opportunities by 2030. As part of this ambition, it aims to reach more than 5 million youth across Asia, Oceania and Africa.
COMFORT EKELEME, Business Editor
Nestlé Professional last week introduced the Affordable Nutrition option, Maggi Soya Chunks, to food vendors, chefs and event planners during the Lagos edition of the Business of Food workshop.
Nestlé Professional is the out of home business arm of Nestlé Nigeria and a leading provider of food solutions.
Speaking at the event, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional in Nigeria, Mrs. Funmi Osineye said, “At Nestlé Professional, we are committed to empowering local food vendors with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.
“By introducing Maggi Soya Chunks, we aim to provide an affordable and nutritious alternative that supports their businesses and promotes healthier eating habits in our communities,” she said.
To further empower participants to navigate the evolving economic terrain, the food vendors were trained by the Managing Director of Food Bizz Support Services, Mrs. Osaretin Okao on managing food business profitability in challenging period.
She charged the food vendors to be innovative and open to trying new things, including the use of new affordable ingredients like Soya Chunks.
Mrs. Okao said, “Managing a successful food business requires adaptability and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
“By incorporating affordable and nutritious ingredients like Maggi Soya Chunks, food vendors can not only enhance their offerings but also ensure they remain profitable and sustainable,” she said.
Mrs. Osineye assured participants that Nestlé Professional remains committed to supporting the growth and success of food vendors in Nigeria.
She said, “We aim to make more possible by uplifting the local food industry, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating a positive impact in communities.
However, they face challenges in managing their businesses amidst rising costs, often leading to a reduced focus on providing adequate nutrition in favor of profit.
The Business of Food series, now in its nineth edition, has empowered over 2,000 food business vendors across nine states with vital skills and knowledge to enhance their business and increase their income.
This year, it focused on offering attendees a cost-effective, nutritious, and flavorful protein alternative with Maggi Soya Chunks while equipping them to keep growing despite economic hardships.
With one pack providing adequate protein and nutrition for eight people, Maggi Soya Chunks, a soya-based texturized protein, is an affordable alternative protein ensuring that food vendors not only remain profitable but continue to provide adequate nutrition to their customers.
One of the highlights from the half-day training session was a masterclass by Chef Ehis Oseniga on the preparation of the classic Ofada rice sauce, using Maggi Soya Chunks. The event also featured an exciting cooking competition where teams of caterers, catering school students and restaurant owners created delicious meals such as Chunky Jollof Rice, Soya Spaghetti Jollof, and Soyarito Fried Rice, all using Maggi Soya Chunks.
However, Canteens, grillers, Maishais, and bukas play an integral role in providing daily nutrition to bustling urban areas.
