Evaluating Nestle Nigeria youths empowerment projects
Over the years, Nestle Nigeria has been empowering Nigerian youths in different capacities at different times.
According to Wikipedia, Youth empowerment is a process where children and young people are encouraged to take charge of their lives.
Youth empowerment which was related to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, includes
SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 8: Inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Others are Gender equality, youths entrepreneurship, safe and supportive environment.
Nestle Nigeria youths empowerment programmes have been aimed at creating healthier and higher qualities of life for underprivileged at community levels.
Recently Nestlé Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders by opening entries for its annual scholarship programme, saying 90 verified indigenes residents in its host community will receive scholarship grants totalling N18 million.
Aimed at high-achieving senior secondary and tertiary students pursuing studies in Science and Technology, this scholarship empowers and supports students in communities surrounding Nestlé operations.
Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, emphasised the company’s commitment to creating shared value, linking Nestlé’s success to the well-being of its host communities. She encouraged scholarship recipients to strive for academic excellence to stay competitive on a global scale. “These scholarships reflect our unwavering dedication to investing in the future of our youth.
“At a time when economic challenges place added strain on families nationwide, we’re proud to provide meaningful financial support that eases this burden. By investing in education, we’re not only empowering individual students but also fostering the growth and prosperity of our entire community.” she said.
Nestle flagship programme “Building Future Entrepreneurs” initiative, aims to promote youth employment through entrepreneurship.
This program provides young people with the necessary training and resources to start and run their own businesses.
Through workshops, mentorship, and funding, participants gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.
Another programme is the “My Own Business” (MYOWBU) initiative, which works with young people to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
The programme has been highly successful, with many participants going on to establish thriving businesses.
The initiative focuses on building capacity, enhancing creativity, and fostering innovation.
Wasiu Adeyeye, a school leaver beneficiary, formerly a pushcart operator, grew his business to a more upscale Mobile Café. He was grateful to have been part of the MYOWBU program.
Adeyeye who was introduced to Nescafé pushcart initiative by a friend and former schoolmate didn’t believed that the business would help him become successful in life.
” I soon realised that with hard work and persistence, I would succeed, so I patiently understudied my friend and worked diligently.
“Today, I am happy to say that, I have been able to cater for my wife and my child.
” I am able to pay my daughter’s school fees. In fact, we are doing well. I am confident that my future is promising.” he said.
Nestlé Nigeria has also invested significantly in technical skills development, with a focus on bridging the technical skills gap in the industry.
The company has established various training programmes that provide young people with the technical skills needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
The Nestlé Nigeria Technical Training 18 months Programme provides training in technical skills such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and instrumentation.
Over 200 young Nigerians have completed the Programme since its inception, acquiring hands-on experience and industry-recognized certifications.
The company’s Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Agbara recently graduated more young trainees, bringing the total number of graduates to over 190 since the program’s inception.
Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said the company has invested over N6 billion in upskilling young Nigerians since 2011, which shows Nestlé’s commitment to grooming the next generation of skilled professionals.
“By bridging the technical skills gap in the industry, we are not only enhancing the employability of our youth but also empowering them to achieve financial independence, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large. This is one of the ways we are creating shared value,” he said.
