“At Nestlé, we believe that young people have a key role to play in building thriving, resilient communities. Young people are our future, they are the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow”, said the Managing Director, Nestlé Nigeria, Mr Wassim Elhusseini.
Elhusseini who made the remark at the Nestlé Nigeria 6th Batch of Technical Training Program Graduation celebrated the participants of the 6th saying that young people do not only help their communities thrive, but also benefit Nestlé with their fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and energy.
“This is why we are passionate about helping them to build the capabilities and skills they need to contribute towards accelerating the industrialization we need to grow our economy”, he said.
In his comments, Thomas Schneider, Consul General, Consulate of Switzerland in Lagos, said, “We are delighted that for eleven years on, this joint training program between the Switzerland Government and Nestlé Nigeria is still making impact on young people within the country, creating job opportunities.”
Inaugurated in 2011, The 18-month intensive program trains participants in machining, mechanical fitting operations, electrical operations, instrumentation operations and automation. The program culminates in the prestigious London City and Guilds technical certification with the top five graduates of each batch undergoing a further three-month internship program at a Nestlé factory in Switzerland, sponsored by the Swiss Embassy in
Nigeria.
Over 160 students have benefitted from the program since its inception, with over 90% of them directly employed by Nestlé Nigeria. All the participants of batch 6, 40% of them females, successfully completed the training and the top 5 performers will be undertaking an internship and mentoring program at Nestlé factories in Switzerland in the first few months of 2023. 95% of the graduates, including Darasinmi, have been employed by Nestlé
Nigeria.
Parents of the graduates, the Traditional Ruler of Agbara, and representatives of the Ogun State Government present at the event all expressed their appreciation of the value that the TTC has been adding over the past 11 years.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbagbu, represented by the Zonal Education Officer, Ado-Odo Ota, Mr Olugbenga Kikisuhu said, “Education is the bedrock of any meaningful social and economic development, and we all must accord education the priority it deserves.
Nestlé Nigeria PLC has today taken another giant step on her journey of empowering young Nigerians for abetter tomorrow by upskilling and employing the graduates. I congratulate the beneficiaries of this laudable technical training program and particularly appreciate the Management of Nestlé Nigeria PLC for her consistent contribution to educational development in the state.”
In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare, represented by Adetokunbo Salami, Director, Youth Development for the Ministry, said, “I am delighted to witness another batch of young Nigerians graduating from the Nestlé technical training program. Initiatives such as these are well aligned with the vision of the Ogun State Government on youth empowerment. I commend Nestlé for this sustained intervention which not only equips young people with relevant industry skills and expertise but is also providing economic and job opportunities.”
On his part, the Alagbara of Agbara, HRM Oba Lukman Agunbiade, commended Nestlé for the positive impact the company is making within the Agbara community, especially in capacity development and empowerment of young people. He
described Nestlé Nigeria as a valued stakeholder, and congratulated all graduates, encouraging them to maximally utilize the opportunity provided by the company.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, best graduating participant, Oluwadarasinmi Adesakin, said, “We are grateful for this excellent platform created by Nestlé Nigeria for young Nigerians. The training program has been an unforgettable journey and a robust experience that has equipped my colleagues and I with knowledge, skills and core values such as integrity, leadership and accountability required to thrive in life.”
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