Nestlé Nigeria, one of the leading food and beverage companies in the country, has commissioned its third Technical Training Center (TTC) at its Flowergate Factory in Ogun State.
The TTC is part of the company’s initiative to help young Nigerians build the capabilities and skills they need to contribute towards the acceleration of industrialization in the country.
The new facility, which is the third of its kind in the country, will offer an 18-month intensive training program in machining, mechanical fitting operations, electrical operations, instrumentation operations, and automation.
The commissioning of the Nestlé Technical Training Center, Flowergate was attended by several dignitaries including the MD/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbagbu, the Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare, and the HRM, Alaiyeluwa Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland.
At the commissioning ceremony, the CEO and Managing Director of Nestlé Nigeria, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, stated, “The technical training program is an initiative of our global flagship program, Nestlé Needs Youth. The program is one of the sustainable pathways through which we contribute to meeting the technical needs in the industry while enabling young Nigerians access economic opportunities.
“Young people have a key role to play in shaping the future we desire. We are determined to remain at the forefront of the fight against youth unemployment by helping young people develop the capabilities and skills they need to contribute towards accelerating the industrialization we need to grow our economy”
The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Arigbagbu, commended the company for its investment in manpower development, capacity building, and technical skills acquisition.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ogun State, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare, also congratulated Nestlé on its commitment to the development of young people in the state and nation, and for prioritizing skills development and job creation.
“I am particularly delighted that the vision of the company is in tandem with the focus on youth empowerment by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led Administration,” the commissioner added.
The Director General of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Wale Oyerinde, praised Nestlé for its massive investment in youth development, skills, and national development, and encouraged other companies to follow in its footsteps.
“With the rising unemployment and challenged educational system, one of the sure paths to rapid national development is Technical and vocational skills development. We commend Nestlé for her commitment and massive investment, not only in youth development but also in skills and National development. This effort is commendable and also worthy of emulation by other companies,” he said.
The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, commended the management of Nestlé for investing in the technical education of young people, who he referred to as the future of the country.
The monarch said: “We are proud to be associated with Nestlé, particularly on the commencement of this wonderful initiative. I commend the Management of the company for investing in technical education of young people, who are the future of the country. We will make sure the company continues to have the enabling environment to continue to do good for and within this community.”
Anthonia Ehibor, one of the 20 trainees admitted into the 18-month program, expressed her delight on behalf of her fellow trainees, saying, “We appreciate Nestlé Nigeria for creating this opportunity for us to gain the skills we need to be future-ready. We look forward to learning, sharing ideas and networking within the 18 months of the training.
“You can count on us to put in the hard work and commitment required to make you and our parents proud”
Since the inception of the technical training program, over 160 students have benefitted, with 95% of them directly employed by Nestlé Nigeria.
The company has announced the resumption of 50 new students across the three training centers, and is committed to continuing its efforts to help young people develop the skills and capabilities they need to succeed in the industry.
