Nestlé Professional has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating youth entrepreneurship, with a workshop in Lagos to upskill over 300 operators and attendants within its My Own Business (MYOWBU) program.
MYOWBU is designed to empower young people across Central and West Africa by helping them establish sustainable careers in street vending. More than a vending initiative providing affordable beverage solutions such as NESCAFÉ and MILO enjoyed by millions of Nigerians every day, it is a sustainable means of livelihood for many young people seeking dignified work, financial independence, and a 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 for 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 the community of young business leaders who represent our brands with pride and purpose.”
To advance operational excellence and sustainable growth, the workshop delivered focused training in business management, hygiene, food safety, waste management and customer service. Sessions were led by industry experts, including Sulaimon Abolore, Assistant Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, and Dr. Ajibabi Awosika from Nestlé Nigeria.
Mr. Abolore, Assistant Director, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Lagos State Government, stated, “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. We commend the positive impact that the My Own Business initiative has on the economy and applaud Nestlé for this investment.”
The stories shared during the event were testaments to the program’s real-life impact. Adeosun Michael, recognized as the longest-serving MYOWBU operator after 20 years, shared: “MYOWBU transformed my life. I was able to leave the streets, build a home, and provide for my family. This journey has taught me that consistency and hard work pay off”.
Joseph Abraham, now a Nestlé distributor, reflected: “I started as a pushcart operator. Today, I’m running my own Nestlé distribution business thanks to the foundation Nestlé helped me build. Dreams do come true.”
During the workshop, Nestlé introduced the Clean with MYOWBU initiative, geared towards mobilizing more than 132 attendants in Lagos to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers, reinforcing Nestlé’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and circularity across its value chain. The program recovered 175.27kg of post use packaging waste.
As the MYOWBU community grows stronger, so does its positive impact. What began with a few young people has evolved into a powerful model for sustainable entrepreneurship, and shared value creation. The program 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.
Nestlé Professional remains deeply invested in supporting entrepreneurs, offering not just assets but access, skills, mentorship, and a path to ownership.
About The Author
