Victor EzejaNestlé Professional has trained over 300 operators and attendants through its My Own Business (MYOWBU) programme in Lagos as part of its commitment to fast-tracking youth entrepreneurship.
Through the establishment of long-term street vending careers, MYOWBU aims to empower youth in Central and West Africa.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelMore than just a vending machine that offers reasonably priced beverages like NESCAFÉ and MILO, which are consumed daily by millions of Nigerians, it is a source of income for a large number of young people looking for a sustainable means of livelihood.
Nestlé Professional Business Manager, Mrs. Funmi Osineye, expressed delight in the success of the workshop.
Osineye said the primary goal of the initiative is to promote entrepreneurship, which transforms lives.
“We are excited to host this MYOWBU workshop in Lagos, bringing together hundreds of dedicated operators and attendants.
“This workshop is not just about technical skills, it’s about building confidence, nurturing ambition, and strengthening the community of young business leaders who represent our brands with pride and purpose,” Osineye stated.
Emphasizing business management, cleanliness, food safety, waste management, and customer service, the programme aimed to promote operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Sulaimon Abolore, Assistant Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade, and Investment, and Dr. Ajibabi Awosika from Nestlé Nigeria were among the industry professionals who led the sessions.
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Mr. Abolore said: “We are pleased to see this notable program organized by Nestle, especially as it focuses on generating employment for youth, taking them off the streets. This aligns with our efforts at the state government to ensure job creation and provide opportunities for those willing to work.”
He applauded Nestlé for its investment in the My Own Business initiative and the positive impact on the economy.
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During the workshop, Nestlé introduced the Clean with MYOWBU initiative, which was geared toward mobilizing more than 132 attendants in Lagos to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers. This initiative reinforced Nestlé’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and circularity across its value chain. The program recovered 175.27kg of post-use packaging waste.
The MYOWBU initiative has created over 1,500 employment opportunities across Nigeria, equipping youth with fully branded pushcarts, shoulder kits, and essential start-up resources from Nestlé Professional.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
