In a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods, Nestlé Professional has trained over 300 young entrepreneurs in Lagos under its flagship initiative, My Own Business (MYOWBU).
The workshop forms part of Nestlé’s ongoing drive to support youth entrepreneurship across Central and West Africa through capacity building, mentorship, and sustainable business practices. The MYOWBU initiative equips young Nigerians with essential tools to build sustainable street vending businesses, offering affordable beverage solutions such as NESCAFÉ and MILO. But beyond the sale of beverages, the program represents a broader vision — providing dignified work, financial independence, and a clear path to entrepreneurship for hundreds of youth in underserved communities.
The business manager for Nestlé Professional, Funmi Osineye, at the workshop in Lagos, highlighted the far-reaching impact of the initiative.
“At the heart of MYOWBU is a belief in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. This workshop is not just about learning business skills; it’s about building confidence, nurturing ambition, and strengthening a community of young business leaders who carry our brands with pride and purpose,” she said.
Commending the program, the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative Trade and Investment, Sulaimon Abolore, noted that Nestlé’s initiative aligns closely with Lagos State’s agenda on youth employment. “This is a remarkable intervention that helps take young people off the streets by creating real economic opportunities. We applaud the impact MYOWBU continues to have on the lives of participants and the broader economy,” he stated.
The event also served as a platform to showcase inspiring success stories. Adeosun Michael, celebrated as the longest-serving MYOWBU operator with 20 years of experience, shared his journey.
“MYOWBU transformed my life. I left the streets, built a home, and now support my family. This program proved that consistency and hard work really do pay off,” he said.
Similarly, Joseph Abraham, now a distributor for Nestlé, reflected on his evolution from pushcart operator to business owner. “Starting out with just a cart, today I run my own Nestlé distribution network. It all began with the foundation this program gave me,” he remarked.
Nestlé also used the workshop to launch its Clean with MYOWBU campaign, a new environmental sustainability effort focused on mobilizing over 132 attendants to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers. So far, the initiative has recovered more than 175 kilograms of post-consumer packaging waste, furthering the company’s commitment to a circular economy.
Since inception, the MYOWBU program has created over 1,500 job opportunities across Nigeria. Participants receive branded pushcarts, shoulder kits, start-up stock, and ongoing training and mentorship, ensuring they not only start businesses but grow them sustainably.