CELEBRATION OF LIFE: ADEMOYO FAMILY SET TO SHUT DOWN ONDO TOWN AS THEY HONOUR MAMA JOANAH ADEMOYO WITH GRAND FAREWELL

Nestlé Professional has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating youth entrepreneurship by hosting a workshop in Lagos to upskill over 300 operators and attendants under its My Own Business (MYOWBU) program.

MYOWBU is designed to empower young people across Central and West Africa by helping them build sustainable careers in street vending. More than just a vending initiative that provides affordable beverage solutions like NESCAFÉ and MILO—enjoyed daily by millions of Nigerians—it serves as a lifeline for many young people seeking dignified work, financial independence, and the chance to build a better future.

"We are excited to host this MYOWBU workshop in Lagos, bringing together hundreds of committed operators and attendants," said Mrs. Funmi Osineye, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional. "At the heart of this initiative is a belief in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. This workshop is not just about technical skills—it’s about building confidence, nurturing ambition, and strengthening a community of young business leaders who represent our brands with pride and purpose."

With a focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth, the workshop delivered specialised training in business management, hygiene, food safety, waste management, and customer service. Industry experts facilitated the sessions, including Sulaimon Abolore, Assistant Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, and Dr. Ajibabi Awosika from Nestlé Nigeria.

Mr. Abolore stated, “We are pleased to see this impactful program by Nestlé, especially as it focuses on youth employment and takes them off the streets. This aligns with our efforts at the state level to foster job creation and provide opportunities for willing youths. We commend the positive economic impact of the MYOWBU initiative and applaud Nestlé for this valuable investment."

The personal stories shared during the event highlighted the program’s real-life impact. Adeosun Michael, recognised as the longest-serving MYOWBU operator after 20 years, said:

"MYOWBU transformed my life. I was able to leave the streets, build a home, and provide for my family. This journey has shown me that consistency and hard work pay off.”

Joseph Abraham, now a Nestlé distributor, reflected:

"I started as a pushcart operator. Today, I run my own Nestlé distribution business, thanks to the foundation Nestlé helped me build. Dreams do come true."

During the workshop, Nestlé also introduced the Clean with MYOWBU initiative, mobilising over 132 attendants in Lagos to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers—reinforcing Nestlé’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and circularity. The program successfully recovered 175.27 kg of post-use packaging waste.

As the MYOWBU community continues to grow, so does its impact. What began with a handful of young people has evolved into a powerful model of sustainable entrepreneurship and shared value creation. The program has created over 1,500 employment opportunities across Nigeria, equipping youth with branded pushcarts, shoulder kits, and essential start-up resources from Nestlé Professional.

Nestlé Professional remains deeply invested in supporting these entrepreneurs, offering not just assets but also access, skills, mentorship, and a path to ownership.