Nestlé takes giant strides, fights joblessness, poverty, food insecurity

By allcitynews.ng

In a concerted effort to win a war against hunger, poverty, joblessness and food insecurity, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, despite the prevailing harsh economic environment in the country took giant strides in being a centre of solutions.

As allcitynews.ng exists to cover the activities of brands and report such activities to the general public, it embarked on fact-finding mission aimed at establishing the roles Nestlé Nigeria has played so far in adding value to the growth and development of nation.

When Nestlé came out for partnership with stakeholders, 12 August 2021, the main focus was to tackle youth unemployment. Thus while marking 2021 International Youth Day, which was done in partnership with Global Alliance for Youth Nigeria, it apparently reminded everyone of the word of renowned industrialist, James Cash Penney, Founder of JCPenney, that “Growth is never by mere chance; but the result of forces working together.”

Most probably aware that food is the real healthcare needed by mankind, Nestlé Nigeria kept making frantic efforts in provision of food and beverages tailored in building and sustaining healthcare in the country.

Taking decisive steps, rather than folding of hands in akimbo, waiting for change which seems elusive, Nestlé Nigeria in February 8, 2018, commissioned New  Nestle Milo Ready-To-Drink Factory In Agbara.

It was not surprised when His Excellency, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, while commissioning the New Ready to Drink Factory said “it is my very special pleasure to be here today on this occasion of the commissioning of the Nestlé MILO Ready to Drink Factory.

“I am sure we all agree that Nestlé MILO holds a special place in the heart of every Nigerian – since as children, we all aspired to be future champions. Indeed, Nestlé’s commitment to doing business in Nigeria has been unwavering over the past 57 years, since the company’s establishment in Nigeria in 1961. This is truly worth commending – particularly when you consider the socio- economic benefits achieved for Nigeria by the location of its factories in rural areas and sourcing its raw materials from local farmers.”

According to Vice President Osinbajo, another job creating move became reality by making millions of Nigerians creators of wealth through opened doors of employment. He pointed out “I am told that this factory was built at a cost of N4.1 billion, and it will create 150 direct jobs in addition to local sourcing of raw materials from Nestlé’s network of over 30,000 farmers.

“As a long time active player in our market, Federal Government look forward to continued collaboration with Nestlé in achieving our objectives of economic growth and job creation.”

And when in a fresh attempt to fast track achievement in building strong economic based nation, Nestlé Nigeria reminded everyone that training remains the bedrock of professionalism in all areas of aspects in order to obtain industrialisation of the country.

Thus, it tried to achieve this by entering into partnership with five organisations:
Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, Big Bottling Company and the United Nation Global Impact, the alliance will pull together resources to help youths across Nigeria access skills to thrive in the present job climate and the future of work.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Nigeria, Wassim Elhusseini, while speaking in that event said: “We are excited to announce the Global Alliance for Youth Nigeria today. If there was a time where an alliance for youth is needed, it is today.

“The alliance plans to reach more than 250,000 young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills to enable them get gainful employment or set up businesses of their own within the next three years.

“Our youth are confronted with multiple challenges, but the critical challenge is that of a lack of opportunities. The alliance seeks to create opportunities for our youth to attain their highest potential as productive and contributive members of society.”

Likewise Elhusseini said: “Nestle’s purpose is enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. The company contributes to society while ensuring the long-term success of its business.

“Every day, we touch millions of lives across our business, from the farmer who produces the grains to the family who enjoys the nutritious food in their home.”

In the same vein, the Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Naomi Nwokolo, said, “It is no longer fashionable to ignore the youth; never has it been. The time is now for all stakeholders to pivot toward harnessing the powers and potentials of the youth demographic.

“Our participation in the Global Alliance for Youth states our intent to engage with the private sector to further entrench the corporate sustainability agenda particularly in the areas of women and youth inclusion, sustainable innovation, decent work and economic growth.”

Nestlé Nigeria Plc, apart from being one of the largest food and beverage companies in Africa in the last 57 years, it has also continue to remain household name as most consumers in Nigeria take delight in their products based on the high quality nutritious food products.

On its bid to sustain customers’ satisfaction, Nestlé have what it called
“Creating Shared Value (CSV).” This CSV is meant to create value, both for its shareholders and for society.

Speaking with allcitynews.ng, Mr Sanusi Abubakar, a tea seller by the roadside, at Agege area with set table for customers to take hot tea, especially during cold weather said, “I don’t joke with Nestlé Nescafe because my customers always demand for it every morning and in the evening they demand for Milo. To me, Nestlé is making me enjoy selling hot tea everytime.”

In Idumota/Balogun Market, Lagos Island, traders spoken to, attested to the wealth creative power by Nestlé.

For example: Hajia Akinsola, a trader in beverages hailed Nestlé for the supplies of Nestlé food drink products. “Over 60 per cent of what all traders are selling in and around this area are Nestlé products because their products are friendly with pockets and they are good for health.”

With a staff strength of over 2,300 direct employees, three manufacturing sites, eight branch offices and a head office located in Lagos, the company produces and markets several iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn, Nescafé and Nestlé Pure Life.

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