Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd. reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment in Nigeria with the successful completion of its two-day #YouthEmpowered program, designed to equip young Nigerians with entrepreneurship and employability skills in Abuja.

The training which took place at Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture in Abuja from March 20th to March 21st, 2024, featured an array of engaging sessions such as Career Planning & LinkedIn Profile Mastery, Use of Artificial Intelligence and Other Digital Tools, Financial Literacy and more.

Building on the success of previous editions at the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, and Lagos State University, #YouthEmpowered continues to make tangible contributions to communities across the country including a recent engagement at Oniru, Victoria Island.

Now in its 6th year, #YouthEmpowered aligns seamlessly with Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company’s Mission 2025 sustainability commitment to train 1 million youths by the year 2025. The Abuja event witnessed participation from over 1,000 enthusiastic learners eager to acquire new skills, contributing to a cumulative reach of over 40,000 youths since the inception of the program.

Olukemi Ogunsakin, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nigerian Bottling Company commented: “We recognize the immense potential young people hold as catalysts for societal progress and economic growth.

“Through #YouthEmpowered, we are committed to equipping young Nigerians with highly in-demand professional and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our society.”

Emphasizing the pivotal role of youth for positive change and progress, she said, “Already, the initiative is proving to be a driving force for positive change, nurturing the next generation of young, skilled, and impactful leaders poised to drive socioeconomic development in the country. Our goal is to extend our reach further, to touch the lives of other young Nigerians across the country.”

Tayo Olosunde, CO-Founder and Executive Director, Mind the Gap commented: “We are excited to team up with the Nigerian Bottling Company to unleash the potential of youths in our nation’s capital. Through dynamic initiatives like #YouthEmpowered, we’re not just dreaming of a better Nigeria – we’re actively crafting it.

“I am positive that as we continue to invest in nurturing their young minds, we are ultimately paving the way for a future where innovation, growth, and prosperity thrive. And by doing that, we would be building the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Speaking on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) support for #YouthEmpowered, Ibrahim Aminu Masari, the Mandate secretary, Social Development, disclosed that the FCTA was happy to have NBC bring its #YouthEmpowered program to the Federal Capital Territory because such initiatives are in line with this administration’s agenda on youth development and integral to President Bola Tinubu’s economic growth imperatives.

In addition to the immersive training sessions, participants also took part in a business idea pitch session, where cash grants were awarded to several deserving winners.

On both days, the training sessions were facilitated by experts and thought leaders across various industries in the country, including Lukman Oyewole Lawal, the S.A to the Speaker, House of Representatives on Finance; Dr. Terese Shadrach Akpem, a business mentor; Esohe Ekunwe, a digital strategist; mental health advocate, Lucy Abeng, and several other volunteers from NBC.

#YouthEmpowered is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company’s broader mission to empower individuals aged 16-35 with skills needed for meaningful employment, and self-sufficiency. Since its launch in 2017 in Nigeria, the program has reached over 41,734 youths across 10 cities, and 9 campuses. By imparting entrepreneurship and career employability skills, #YouthEmpowered continues to drive transformative change, touching lives and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic landscape.