Nestlé backs public-private partnership to curb unemployment crisis

Business a.m.

Nestlé Nigeria Plc has made a call for stronger partnership between the private sector and the Federal Government to tackle the issue of youth unemployment in the country.

Wassim ElHussein, managing director  of the food and beverage specialty company stated this in his keynote address at the inaugural graduation ceremony of the new Technical Training Centre located at the Flowergate Factory in Ogun State.

ElHusseini highlighted that addressing the unemployment crisis requires more than just government intervention. He stressed that Nestlé is actively supporting government initiatives that promote economic growth by providing training to young people for high-productivity sectors, ultimately contributing to the creation of more job opportunities.

Elaborating on Nestlé’s commitment, ElHusseini stressed that the company is determined to close the technical skills gap by empowering young individuals with the necessary skills and competencies to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The managing director also highlighted that one of the company’s key objectives is to equip young people with the required knowledge and skills to participate in the country’s burgeoning economy.

ElHusseini explained that the technical training programme is aimed at preparing young people for economic opportunities, whether they seek employment or entrepreneurship. He revealed that out of the 20 beneficiaries who enrolled in the 18-month programme, 98 percent have been successfully offered employment by the Nestlé organisation.

Nestlé Nigeria’s 18-month programme provides training in machining, mechanical fitting operations, electrical operations, instrumentation operations, and automation. The training programme culminates in the prestigious London City and Guilds technical certification, a globally recognised standard that not only validates the participants’ technical competency but also enhances their competitiveness in the job market.

Shakiru Lawal, the country human resources manager at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, commended the graduates of the Flowergate Technical Training Centre as being among the best outcomes of all the training programmes, including those in Agbara and Agbati.

Lawal emphasised that the Flowergate Technical Training Centre initiative aligns with Nestlé’s commitment to developing the skills of young people and making them more employable.

The country human resources manager affirmed that the primary objectives of the programme are to cultivate young talent for the company and assist in the fight against youth unemployment in the country. The initiative, Lawal added, represents Nestlé’s broader commitment to addressing the skills gap and fostering economic growth through human capital development.

Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland in Ogun State,recognised the potential of Nestlé’s Flowergate Technical Training Centre programme to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

In his address, the traditional ruler highlighted the significance of such initiatives in equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the jobs of the future, underscoring his kingdom’s willingness to collaborate with Nestlé on programmes that facilitate youth participation and benefit from Nigeria’s development and economic expansion.

The ruler of Remoland expressed his desire for a youth empowerment model that would equip young people with the necessary skills and training to achieve economic success and secure their futures. He noted that with the collaboration of Nestlé, the palace could develop a model that would ensure youth access to meaningful employment through training programmes tailored to the needs of the labour market.