Nestlé Professional Empowers Youth Entrepreneurship, Trains 300 MYOWBU Operators in Lagos

Nestlé Professional has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering youth entrepreneurship by hosting a workshop in Lagos for over 300 operators and attendants of its My Own Business (MYOWBU) program. 

MYOWBU aims to empower young people across Central and West Africa by enabling them to build sustainable careers in street vending, offering affordable beverage solutions like NESCAFÉ and MILO. The initiative provides a dignified means of livelihood, financial independence, and a pathway to a better future for many young Nigerians.

Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager for Nestlé Professional, stated, "This MYOWBU workshop in Lagos brings together hundreds of committed operators and attendants. At its core is our belief in entrepreneurship's transformative power. This workshop focuses on building confidence, nurturing ambition, and strengthening the community of young business leaders who proudly represent our brands."

The workshop focused on enhancing operational excellence and sustainable growth through training in business management, hygiene, food safety, waste management, and customer service. Industry experts, including Sulaimon Abolore from the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Dr. Ajibabi Awosika from Nestlé Nigeria, led the sessions.

Mr. Abolore commended Nestlé for the program's focus on youth employment, aligning with the state government's job creation efforts.

Testimonials from participants highlighted the program's impact. Adeosun Michael, a 20-year MYOWBU operator, shared how it transformed his life, allowing him to build a home and support his family. Joseph Abraham, now a Nestlé distributor, recounted starting as a pushcart operator and building his own distribution business with Nestlé's support.

During the workshop, Nestlé introduced the "Clean with MYOWBU" initiative, mobilizing over 132 attendants in Lagos to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers, reinforcing Nestlé’s environmental stewardship commitment. The program has already recovered 175.27kg of post-use packaging waste.

The MYOWBU program has created over 1,500 employment opportunities across Nigeria, providing youth with branded pushcarts, shoulder kits, and essential start-up resources from Nestlé Professional. Nestlé Professional remains committed to supporting these entrepreneurs with assets, access, skills, mentorship, and a path to ownership.

About Nestle Professional

Nestlé Professional is the Out-of-Home arm of Nestle, providing innovative food and beverage solutions to the foodservice industry in Nigeria.

About Nestlé Nigeria

Nestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company in Africa, committed to enhancing quality of life and unlocking the power of food for everyone today and for generations to come.