Chizoba Ezirim, National Coordinator and Head of strategy at REVAMP Africa; Olurotimi Joseph Egunyomi, Principal, Estate Senior Grammar School, Ilupeju; Wassim Elhusseini, MD/CEO at Nestlé Nigeria; Ayola Feyitayo Stephen, Vice Principal, Estate Senior Grammar School, Ilupeju; Anyalechi, Founder, REVAMP Africa; Edidiong Peters, Public Affairs Specialist, Nestlé Nigeria; Bola Audu, Corporate Communications Specialist, Nestlé Nigeria

280 Nestlé Nigeria volunteers including the Managing Director and CEO, Wassim Elhusseini are mentoring 12,000 students in JSS2, SS1 and SS2 classes in twentythree public secondary schools across Nigeria. The Youth Leadership Mentoring Program aims to instill the right values, skills and attitudes requisite for success and positive personal development from an early age in children.

The program now in its second season, is a collaboration between Nestlé Nigeria and  REVAMP Africa, a youth-focused non-profit organization with the vision to revive educational values and maximize potential among young people, especially in public secondary schools. 

Joy Ukpong, an SS2 student at Estate Senior Grammar School Ilupeju, Lagos State says that as a result of the mentoring session with Wassim, she has resolved that the top four values she will imbibe for her personal development and academic success are determination, kindness, generosity and respect for others. This is the first time she has ever been in a mentoring program. 

Recounting her experience, Joy said, “My classmates and I are excited to have the mentors in our classes. Today’s session on values and morality was very interesting. The mentors spoke to us about developing personal values for success in life. I am determined to live by the four values I have set for myself, both in school and outside the school. I will also put in more effort in my academics so I can excel and achieve my dreams.”

Wassim Elhusseini, MD/CEO Nestlé Nigeria PLC said, “At Nestlé, we believe that communities cannot thrive if they fail to offer a future for younger generations. I am therefore delighted that Nestlé is collaborating with REVAMP Africa on this initiative that prepares young people for success in life. The Youth Leadership Mentoring Program is a great opportunity to encourage children to imbibe the right values, build good character and develop leadership skills. 

I am proud of the 280 Nestlé Cares volunteers who have dedicated time despite their busy schedules to mentor 12,000 children across the country over a 4-week period. We are confident of the positive impact this initiative will make in the lives of all the mentees.”

 Mr. Kelechi Anyalechi, founder, REVAMP Africa Foundation said, “We are thrilled to commence another stream of the transformative Youth Leadership Mentoring Program in collaboration with Nestlé Nigeria. The program is designed to empower and nurture the leaders of tomorrow through experiential learning. Young people will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in real scenarios, learn from successful Nestlé Nigeria and REVAMP Africa leaders who have made a difference in various fields. This practical approach will enable them to develop the necessary skills and gain valuable insights to become young excellent leaders.” 

The principal of Estate Senior Grammar School, Ilupeju, Mr. Olurotimi Joseph Egunyomi said “I thank Nestlé for this mentoring program which is value adding for the students. The opportunity to meet professionals from diverse fields will have a lasting impact on the children. We are glad that a company like this is playing a complementary role, assisting us in achieving our objective of raising children who excel in academics and character. The students and I are looking forward to subsequent sessions.”

Through the Youth Leadership Mentoring Program, Nestlé Nigeria and REVAMP Africa are equipping young individuals across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in an ever-evolving world.

Nestlé Cares is the company’s employee volunteer program which provides opportunities for Nestlé employees to give back to society by offering their time, talent and resources to impact individuals and families, communities, and the environment.