Nestle Nigeria Plc said in a statement on Sunday that it is committed to providing support to young people by fostering youth entrepreneurship and helping the talented ones through training and job opportunities.

The message was conveyed by the company’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Victoria Uwadoka, on Sunday to mark this year’s International Youth Day on 12th August. Uwadoka in her statement said the company wanted to ensure the youths gained skills that would enable them contribute positively towards building peace in the society.

“This is in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable development Goal 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full off productive employment and decent work for all.’’

Nestle Nigeria’s youth empowerment initiatives include a training programme at the company’s Technical Training Centre in the company’s Agbara factory complex in Ogun State.

The programme helps to develop and train young technicians for the world of work.

The company also runs the “My Own Business (MYOWBU) Street Vending Programme,” which teaches young people skills and expertise needed to operate a micro-enterprise.

Some young people, who were panelists at the event organized by Nestle Nigeria to mark International Youth Day 2017, emphasized the importance of hard work and focus on what one desired to achieve.

They shared their success stories and how they have contributed to the development of society.

The Panelists are Tosin Oshinowo, the chief executive officer of CDAtellier, (the Architect who designed Maryland Mall – a popular Mall in Lagos) and Chiamaka Obuekwe, CEO of Social Prefect Tours, one of Africa’s Top 100 Women in Tourism.

Others are Oluwaseun Shogbamu, CEO of Nation Career Fair and Elijah Eniola, Digital Marketing Executive and Social Entrepreneur.

In their presentations, Tosin underscored the importance of hard work and focus in helping her achieve significant milestones at a young age.

Chiamaka spoke about learning to fail fast and getting back on your feet, while Shogbamu said that when purpose meets a problem, value could be derived.

He spoke about achieving your purpose by helping others as Elijah encouraged the participants at the event not to limit themselves to a university degree.

He shared how surrounding himself with people of similar interests helped shape him for success.

The Managing Director and CEO of Nestle Nigeria, Mr. Mauricio Alarcon, advised youths to leverage the myriad opportunities available to them today.

He added that today’s youths were better equipped to make positive impact in the fast-paced world, urging them to maximize the use of technology and get creative to harness the vast potential in themselves to create value for society.

There were other speakers who urged the youths to take everything they were learning very seriously because they were being prepared for a world of challenges and opportunities.