NBC’s initiative drive youth development with training

Nigerian Bottling Company’s flagship youth empowerment initiative, #YouthEmpowered, recently concluded training sessions in Lagos and Imo states, advancing its mission to support youth development nationwide.

These sessions, following previous events in Abuja, Kano, Anambra, and Ogun states, provided essential employability and entrepreneurial skills tailored to the demands of a dynamic global market.

The training sessions were held at Immaculate Golden Hotels, Owerri, on October 17, and at Union Stable, Surulere, Lagos, on October 23. These carefully curated trainings were designed to equip young Nigerians with the tools to thrive in a 21st-century economy through a curriculum emphasizing adaptability and resilience, project management, business planning, time management, negotiation skills, and customer service. NBC’s broader mission to inspire self-discovery, nurture talent, and connect participants with industry mentors underscores its dedication to the long-term success of Nigerian youth.

Speaking at the #YouthEmpowered event in Surulere, Lagos, Oluwasoromidayo George, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at NBC, highlighted the program’s impact, saying, “At NBC, we believe deeply in the power of investing in people and communities because it is core to who we are. For us, empowering the next generation is a pledge we have made to help drive Nigeria’s continued socioeconomic development.

“Since its inception in 2017, the Youth Empowered program has touched the lives of over 50,000 young Nigerians across 10 cities, and I am happy to say that we are not stopping there. In fact, we plan to expand the scope in November, with what we are calling Youth Empowered 2.0. The expanded structure of the program will include internship opportunities, specialized training in the hospitality industry, and small business grants. Ultimately, our goal is to continue providing future leaders of our country with even more opportunities to succeed in life.”

Tayo Olosunde, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mind the Gap, a partner in the #YouthEmpowered program, echoed this sentiment, stating, “In today’s evolving job market, it is imperative for young people to continuously upskill to remain competitive. Programs like #YouthEmpowered equip them with the tools needed to seize opportunities and thrive on a global scale.”

A highlight of the workshops in Lagos and Imo was the opportunity for participants to pitch their business ideas for a chance to win the NBC Director’s Business Grant. Winners received cash rewards to support their entrepreneurial ventures, marking a step forward in NBC’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and innovation within Nigerian communities.

#YouthEmpowered, an initiative of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, targets young people aged 16-35 with vital skills for employability and entrepreneurship. Since its inception, the program has empowered thousands of Nigerian youths, driving long-term growth and value creation within their communities and across the nation.

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