In a renewed drive to foster youth-led businesses, Nestlé Professional has trained over 300 young entrepreneurs and street vendors in Lagos under its My Own Business (MYOWBU) initiative—part of a wider effort to tackle unemployment and promote economic inclusion across Central and West Africa.
The MYOWBU program goes beyond street vending—it offers young Nigerians a pathway to financial independence through structured entrepreneurship. Participants sell affordable beverages like NESCAFÉ and MILO, but more importantly, they gain tools to build sustainable livelihoods and shape their future with dignity.
A Platform for Growth and Skill Development
At the recent workshop in Lagos, attendees received hands-on training in critical areas such as business management, hygiene, food safety, customer service, and environmental awareness. The sessions, led by top professionals and public sector partners, were designed to boost operational excellence and ensure participants can grow their micro-enterprises effectively.
Funmi Osineye, Business Manager at Nestlé Professional, expressed the company’s vision:
“This program is about more than teaching business skills—it’s about unlocking ambition, building confidence, and supporting a community of driven young entrepreneurs who proudly represent our brands.”
Government Support and Real-Life Impact
The event featured participation from key government officials, including Sulaimon Abolore, Assistant Director at the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, who praised the initiative:
“Programs like MYOWBU create real jobs and remove youth from vulnerable situations. We are proud to align with Nestlé’s efforts to build a more inclusive economy.”
Powerful testimonies from program beneficiaries captured the life-changing impact of MYOWBU.
Adeosun Michael, a veteran vendor with over two decades in the program, shared:
“This initiative gave me the chance to leave street life, build a home, and support my family. Hard work and consistency truly pay off.”
Similarly, Joseph Abraham, now a Nestlé distributor, said:
“I began with a simple pushcart. Today, I run my own distribution business—all thanks to the solid foundation this program provided.”
New Environmental Initiative: Clean with MYOWBU
Further emphasizing sustainability, Nestlé also launched the “Clean with MYOWBU” campaign at the workshop. This effort mobilized over 132 participants to collect and recycle used NESCAFÉ and MILO wrappers, recovering 175.27kg of post-consumer waste. The project supports Nestlé’s circular economy goals and reinforces its commitment to responsible environmental practices.
A Movement of Opportunity and Shared Value
From humble beginnings, MYOWBU has grown into a thriving network of over 1,500 youth-led micro-enterprises across Nigeria. Participants receive fully branded pushcarts, shoulder vending kits, and essential starter packs—along with continuous training, mentorship, and business support.
Nestlé Professional remains committed to nurturing these entrepreneurs—offering not just materials, but access to skills, ownership pathways, and long-term opportunities for growth.
As the MYOWBU movement expands, so too does its ability to transform communities—one young entrepreneur at a time.
