By Godwin Anyebe
Nestlé has long been a titan in the global food and beverage industry, but its impact extends far beyond just providing products. In Nigeria, Nestlé has demonstrated a profound commitment to youth development, with initiatives that have shaped and empowered the younger generation. In fact, Nestlé’s commitment to youth development in Nigeria is a testament to its dedication to fostering the next generation. The company’s initiatives are designed to address various aspects of youth growth, from sports and education to health and nutrition.
The Nestlé Milo Basketball Initiative
Launched in 1990, the Nestlé Milo Basketball Championship has grown to become one of Nigeria’s premier youth sports programs. Its goal is to harness the energy, talent, and enthusiasm of young Nigerians through basketball. This initiative is more than just a sports competition; it’s a comprehensive program designed to identify and nurture talent from a young age. Through this initiative, Nestlé has provided countless opportunities for young athletes to showcase their skills, gain valuable experience, and potentially advance to higher levels of competition.
For instance, In the heart of Nigeria, where basketball courts buzz with the energy of young dreamers, two remarkable stories emerged from the Nestlé Milo Basketball Championship. Leo from Taraba State and Manga from Bauchi, both towering at 7 feet tall, found their lives forever changed by their participation in this transformative program. Their journey from local competitions to an NBA youth camp in South Africa highlights the profound impact of the Milo Basketball Championship.
Discovery and Passion
Leo and Manga’s paths first crossed on the vibrant courts of their hometown. Leo, known for his agility and sharp shooting skills, and Manga, with his imposing presence and defensive prowess, both had a passion for basketball that shone brightly. Their local coaches quickly noticed their potential, but it was the Milo Basketball Championship that provided the platform they needed to truly showcase their talents.
The championship, a cornerstone of Nestlé’s youth development initiatives, aims to discover and nurture young basketball talent across Nigeria. For Leo and Manga, it was more than just a competition; it was the gateway to their dreams.
A Turning Point
In the Milo Basketball Championship, Leo and Manga excelled, each standing out in their own way. Leo’s precision on the court and Manga’s remarkable defensive skills made them key players on their respective teams. Their performances caught the eyes of scouts and coaches, setting the stage for opportunities beyond the local level.
The championship’s emphasis on not only athletic skill but also personal development and teamwork provided Leo and Manga with invaluable lessons. Through the rigorous training sessions and competitive matches, they honed their abilities and learned the importance of discipline, leadership, and resilience.
The NBA Youth Camp
Their exceptional performances in the Milo Basketball Championship earned Leo and Manga an invitation to the NBA Youth Camp in South Africa. This camp, a prestigious event known for bringing together the best young talents from across the continent, represented a monumental step in their basketball careers.
In South Africa, Leo and Manga were immersed in a world of advanced training and international exposure. They trained with some of the best coaches and had the chance to compete against other top young players from across Africa. The camp provided them with not only skill development but also insight into the professional basketball world.
Impact and Transformation
The NBA Youth Camp was a pivotal experience for both Leo and Manga. It offered them a glimpse into the global stage of basketball and provided them with tools to further develop their skills. They returned to Nigeria with renewed confidence, advanced techniques, and a broader perspective on their potential careers.
Their journey through the Milo Basketball Championship and the NBA Youth Camp also had a profound impact on their communities. Leo and Manza became role models for aspiring young athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, dreams can indeed become reality. Their success stories inspired countless other youths to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.
A Bright Future
As Leo and Manga continue their basketball journeys, they carry with them the lessons and experiences gained from the Milo Basketball Championship and the NBA Youth Camp. Their stories are a testament to the power of opportunity and the significant role that programs like the Milo Basketball Championship play in shaping the futures of young talents.
Nestlé’s commitment to youth development through such initiatives has proven to be a catalyst for success, and Leo and Manga’s achievements are a shining example of how dedication, talent, and the right opportunities can come together to create extraordinary outcomes. As they move forward, both Leo and Manga are well on their way to making their mark in the world of basketball, carrying with them the legacy of the Milo Basketball Championship and the support that made their dreams possible.
The program doesn’t just focus on the game itself. It also emphasizes the importance of education and personal development. Participants are often engaged in workshops and seminars that cover a range of topics, including leadership skills, teamwork, and discipline. By integrating these elements into the sports framework, Nestlé ensures that the youth benefit not only as athletes but also as individuals poised for success in various aspects of their lives.
Broader Youth Development Efforts
Beyond the basketball courts, Nestlé’s contributions to youth development in Nigeria are extensive. The company’s commitment is evident in several other initiatives:
Bridging technical skills gap
In the evolving economic landscape of Nigeria, the gap between the skills young professionals possesses and those required by the job market has been a significant challenge. Nestlé Nigeria, has in several ways stepped up to address this critical issue through a series of impactful initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap and preparing the workforce for future demands.
Demonstrating the commitment of the beverage company, Wassim Elhusseini, managing director/CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, said Nestlé Nigeria has invested over N6 billion in upskilling young Nigerians since 2011, demonstrating its dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals
“By bridging the technical skills gap in the industry, we are not only enhancing the employability of our youth but also empowering them to achieve financial independence, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large. This is one of the ways we are creating shared value,” he said.
Beyond the Technical Training Centre, Nestlé’s dedication to youth empowerment is also reflected in its broader youth engagement platform, Nestlé Needs Youth, launched in 2013.
“This initiative aims to help young people access economic opportunities, focusing on four pillars: getting them hired, skilled, supported, and providing them with more opportunities. Through various programs under this banner, Nestlé reaches an average of 25,000 youths annually,” the CEO added.
Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK)
This program is designed to promote healthier lifestyles among children. It focuses on nutrition education, encouraging healthy eating habits, and physical activity. By addressing these key areas, Nestlé aims to combat rising issues like obesity and malnutrition among Nigerian children.
Also, Nestlé has been involved in various educational initiatives, including the donation of books and learning materials to schools and supporting educational infrastructure. These efforts aim to improve the quality of education and provide better learning environments for students. For instance, acknowledging Nestle efforts, the Ogun State Government commended Nestle Nigeria Plc for its various supports to the state-owned primary schools and students across some local governments, describing the efforts as massive.
The chairman of the state’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Femi Majekodunmi, gave the commendation at the final and award ceremony of this year’s Nestle for healthier kids’ inter-school quiz competition among primary school students in the state.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Nestlé’s initiatives often align with broader global objectives, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Their programs frequently address issues like clean water access, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunities, all of which contribute indirectly to youth development.
Entrepreneurship Support
Nestlé encourages and supports youth entrepreneurship through workshops and mentoring programs. Few years ago, the restated its commitment to support young people by boosting youth entrepreneurship and inspiring the talented ones through providing training and job opportunities.
The company’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Victoria Uwadoka, in a statement as at that time, restated the commitment to uphold the organisation’s ideals as it celebrated this year’s International Youth Day on August 12, 2017.
Uwadoka said that the move was to ensure they gained the skills that would enable them to contribute positively toward building peace in the society.
She said, “This is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full of productive employment and decent work for all.’’
In the same vein, according to information from the company’s website, the company, as part of its Global Youth Initiative, Nestlé had launched the Nestlé Youth Entrepreneurship Platform (YEP), a new digital platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs who want to learn new knowledge and skills, test an idea or grow their businesses, in areas ranging from food science and technology to the development of products and services – including regenerative agriculture and sustainable packaging.
YEPbrings together all Nestlé’s existing innovation initiatives and programs in one place. The platform gives young innovators access to The Nestlé Entrepreneurship Academy plus dedicated programs to grow knowledge, learn new skills and gain experience. It also offers customized content and resources from specific geographies.
Scholarship Programs.
Nestlé provides scholarships and financial aid to deserving students to help them continue their education. For example, Nestlé Nigeria extended its Community Scholarship Scheme, a scheme positioned to enable deserving students of her host communities attain their educational and personal aspirations through financial sponsorship, to the host community of its third factory in Agbara, Ogun state.
The scheme, which was launched in 2020 for the host communities of the company’s factories located at Sagamu Interchange, Ogun State and Abaji, Federal Capital Territory, was extended to Agbara Community, with 109 students who benefited from the scheme.
The scheme, which is in two categories, senior secondary and tertiary, granted funds to cover tuition, accommodation, uniform, books and other expenses for the duration of beneficiaries’ education in the respective categories.
Health and Wellness Initiatives
Nestlé’s commitment to youth development also extends to health and wellness, focusing on creating a healthier future for Nigerian children. In May this year and in commemoration of the 2024 Children’s Day, Nestlé Nigeria restated its commitment to fostering the well-being of children and equipping them for the future. Through initiatives aimed at promoting healthy nutrition, STEM education, and grassroots sports, the company says it reached over 3.7 million children in 2023, demonstrating its dedication to preparing them for a brighter future.
It said the initiatives are in alignment with Nestlé’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for people of all ages. “By empowering children with the values, tools and skills to make the right decisions, Nestlé is contributing to nurturing future leaders that will transform the nation.”
According to Victoria Uwadoka, the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, “childhood is a critical period for forming life-long habits that could determine quality of life in the future. Therefore, teaching children to eat right, stay active, pursue their dreams, set and achieve goals is one of the ways through which we are nurturing the next generation of leaders.
“We achieve this through Nestlé MILO Building Champs, Nestlé MILO Basketball Championship, Nestlé for Healthier Kids and the Nestlé Community Scholarships. This year, we are extending these programmes to more schools and communities, to reach even more children.”
Through the community scholarships, she said that Nestlé is promoting STEM education to give children within its communities the opportunity to access technical capabilities and skills to contribute to the industrialisation of the country. “This is one of Nestlé’s creating shared value initiatives: creating value for society while delivering business growth: the children are equipped for the future, and Nestlé gains an increased pipeline of future talents.”
Impact and Legacy
The impact of Nestlé’s initiatives in Nigeria is profound. The Milo Basketball Championship alone has not only provided a platform for emerging talent but has also inspired many young people to pursue their dreams in sports. Success stories from the program include athletes who have gone on to represent Nigeria on international stages, further highlighting the program’s significance.
Moreover, Nestlé’s holistic approach to youth development through various initiatives helps to build a foundation for future leaders. By focusing on both sports and education, the company addresses multiple facets of youth growth, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond mere athletic achievement.
In conclusion, Nestlé’s contributions to youth development in Nigeria exemplify a commitment to nurturing the potential of the younger generation. Through initiatives like the Milo Basketball Championship and broader educational and health programs, Nestlé has established itself as a key player in fostering the growth and development of Nigerian youth, paving the way for a brighter future for the country.
