As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives in Ogun State, Nestlé Nigeria Plc has trained no fewer than 100 teachers across four local government areas, with 20 of them receiving awards for outstanding performance.

The 1-day training programme, tagged “Nestlé for Healthier Kids Teachers’ Training 2025,” held at Park-Inn by Radisson, IBB Boulevard, Kuto, Abeokuta. Participating teachers were drawn from Abeokuta North, Obafemi-Owode, Sagamu and Ado-Odo/Ota LGAs.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, urged public primary school teachers to utilise social media as a tool for professional development rather than for entertainment.

According to him, social media platforms are rich with educational resources and applications that can help teachers enhance their knowledge and teaching capacity.

“Don’t waste your time watching things that add no value to your profession. Look for areas on social media where you can improve yourself as far as your profession is concerned,” he said.

Ifede explained that the Nestlé training programme is focused on teacher development, equipping educators with the skills and knowledge required for the effective implementation of the Healthier Kids initiative in public primary schools.

He added that the programme covers 20 beneficiary schools across the four participating LGAs, noting that good health is central to personal development and national growth.

 “This programme remains an invaluable investment in our children’s future,” he stated.

The SUBEB boss also highlighted several interventions undertaken by Nestlé in Ogun schools as part of its CSR projects. These include the construction of VIP toilets and boreholes in 10 schools, provision of hand-washing facilities, renovation and construction of classroom blocks with furniture at NUD Primary School, Owode; St. Paul’s Primary School, Orile-Imo; and Salvation Army School I & II, Agbara, as well as the establishment of a crèche at Salvation Army Primary School, Agbara.

Earlier, the SUBEB Board Secretary, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, commended Nestlé for its significant contributions to basic education in the state and called on other corporate organisations to emulate the company by supporting the government in creating a conducive learning environment.

In her remarks, Nestlé’s Corporate Affairs Specialist, Miss Louis Nweke, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to school development and the promotion of healthy living among learners. She noted that Ogun State currently has 20 schools under the Nestlé Healthier Kids Programme, the highest in Nigeria.

Nweke added that the company not only trains teachers on modern instructional methods but also rewards outstanding educators, while appreciating SUBEB for its continuous cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Oluwaseun Oladele of Local Government Primary School, Ketu Adie-Owe, Ado-Odo/Ota, and Mr. Somoye Olumuyiwa Idowu of St. Paul’s Primary School II, Sagamu, expressed gratitude to Nestlé for the training and other programmes, promising to put the knowledge gained into practice.