Nestlé Nigeria Celebrates First Graduation at Flowergate, Empowering 20 Young Graduates
Nestlé Nigeria has marked a significant milestone in 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 is the first graduation from the Flowergate facility, underscoring the company’s ongoing efforts to equip Nigerian youth with essential technical skills for the country’s industrial future.
Launched in 2023, the Flowergate TTC is part of Nestlé Nigeria’s broader technical training initiative, which has been operational since 2011. Over the years, more than 200 young Nigerians have successfully completed the rigorous 18-month training programme, with the company investing over six billion naira in this initiative. This programme not only focuses on developing technical expertise but also aims to create a pipeline of skilled professionals to drive Nigeria’s industrial growth.
At the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, expressed his pride in the accomplishments of the graduates. He remarked, “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 centres, including Agbara and Abaji, all of whom have now joined our team. For us, this programme 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.”
Mr. Elhusseini further emphasised the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “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 Programme combines theoretical learning with hands-on engineering experience, culminating in the prestigious City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification, significantly boosting the employability of the participants.
The graduation 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 praised the initiative. Other notable guests included Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria; Mr. Adewale Jones, Executive Secretary of the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers; Oluwatoyin Naiwo, Registrar and Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria; and representatives from the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA). Tumi Onamade was also present, representing the Alliance for Youth Initiative.
Beyond the TTC, Nestlé Nigeria’s broader commitment to youth empowerment is encapsulated in its *Nestlé Needs YOUth* initiative. This programme helps young people access economic opportunities through various schemes, reaching an average of 25,000 youths annually. These efforts form part of Nestlé’s long-term strategy to prepare Nigerian youth for the future, ensuring they have the skills to thrive in an evolving industrial landscape.