Nestlé Professional Empowers 300 Youth Entrepreneurs in Lagos Through MYOWBU Training Workshop

Nestlé Professional Empowers 300 Youth Entrepreneurs in Lagos Through MYOWBU Training Workshop

...Reaffirms commitment to youth employment, sustainability, and economic empowerment

Nestlé Professional has once again demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship through its My Own Business (MYOWBU) initiative, with a recent workshop held in Lagos to upskill over 300 young street vending operators and attendants.

The event, which took place under the theme of operational excellence and sustainable growth, forms part of Nestlé’s ongoing efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and opportunities to build viable careers through street vending. The MYOWBU program, spanning across Central and West Africa, enables youth to operate fully branded carts offering popular Nestlé beverages like NESCAFÉ and MILO—providing them with a dignified source of income, financial independence, and a path to long-term growth.

“At the heart of MYOWBU is a belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship,” said Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional. “This workshop goes beyond technical skills. It’s about empowering young people with confidence, purpose, and the tools to thrive as business leaders within their communities.”

The intensive training featured sessions on business management, hygiene, food safety, waste management, and customer service—delivered by experts including Mr. Sulaimon Abolore, Assistant Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, and Dr. Ajibabi Awosika of Nestlé Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Abolore praised the initiative, stating:

“We commend Nestlé for this impactful program. By taking youth off the streets and providing them with a means of livelihood, MYOWBU aligns perfectly with the Lagos State Government’s efforts to create jobs and uplift communities.”

The workshop also showcased inspiring success stories. Adeosun Michael, MYOWBU’s longest-serving operator with 20 years in the program, shared how it transformed his life:

“I went from the streets to owning a home and providing for my family. This program has been a blessing, and it proves that hard work and consistency truly pay.”

Similarly, Joseph Abraham, now a Nestlé distributor, reflected on his journey:

“I began with a pushcart. Today, I manage a distribution business thanks to the foundation laid by MYOWBU. It’s a dream realized.”

In a bid to deepen its environmental impact, Nestlé also launched the ‘Clean with MYOWBU’ initiative during the workshop, engaging over 132 attendants in Lagos to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers. The effort successfully recovered 175.27kg of post-consumer packaging waste, furthering Nestlé’s mission of environmental sustainability and circularity across its value chain.

Since its inception, the MYOWBU program has created over 1,500 jobs across Nigeria, supplying entrepreneurs with branded pushcarts, shoulder kits, training, and start-up support. Nestlé Professional remains committed to nurturing these entrepreneurs—not just with assets, but with mentorship, skills development, and a clear path to ownership.

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About Nestlé Professional
Nestlé Professional is the out-of-home food and beverage division of Nestlé Nigeria, serving restaurants, hotels, cafes, offices, and other foodservice providers. Its mission is to deliver affordable, nutritious, and high-quality food and beverage solutions that help customers succeed.

About Nestlé Nigeria
With over 62 years in Nigeria, Nestlé is one of Africa’s leading food and beverage companies. Through iconic brands like MILO, MAGGI, NESCAFÉ, and NIDO, the company enhances the lives of individuals and families while driving positive impact in communities and the environment.

Media Contact:
Toritseju Egbebi
Corporate Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria
Email: Toritseju.egbebi@ng.nestle.com