As part of its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, Nestlé Professional has upskilled more than 300 operators and attendants in Lagos through its My Own Business (MYOWBU) program, a flagship initiative aimed at transforming street vending into a viable path to entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Speaking at the workshop held in Lagos, Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional, said the program goes beyond selling beverages to building futures.
“At the heart of this initiative is a belief in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. This workshop is not just about technical skills, it’s about building confidence, nurturing ambition, and strengthening the community of young business leaders who represent our brands with pride and purpose,” Osineye stated.
The MYOWBU platform provides affordable beverage solutions, including NESCAFÉ and MILO, while equipping young Nigerians with the tools and training to run sustainable businesses. Over the years, the program has created over 1,500 jobs across Nigeria, offering participants branded pushcarts, shoulder kits, and start-up support.
The Lagos workshop featured intensive sessions on business management, food safety, hygiene, waste management, and customer service, with lectures delivered by industry leaders including Sulaimon Abolore, Assistant Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, and Dr. Ajibabi Awosika of Nestlé Nigeria.
“We are pleased to see this notable program organized by Nestlé, especially as it focuses on generating employment for youth, taking them off the streets. This aligns with our efforts at the state government to ensure job creation and provide opportunities for those willing to work,” Abolore said.
Participants shared emotional testimonies highlighting how the program has changed their lives. Adeosun Michael, who has been part of MYOWBU for 20 years, said:
“MYOWBU transformed my life. I was able to leave the streets, build a home, and provide for my family. This journey has taught me that consistency and hard work pay off.”
Similarly, Joseph Abraham, a former pushcart operator who is now a Nestlé distributor, shared his journey:
“I started as a pushcart operator. Today, I’m running my own Nestlé distribution business thanks to the foundation Nestlé helped me build. Dreams do come true.”
In alignment with Nestlé’s environmental goals, the company also launched the Clean with MYOWBU initiative during the workshop.
The program mobilized 132 attendants to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers, recovering 175.27kg of post-use packaging waste, furthering Nestlé’s commitment to sustainability and circularity across its value chain.
