The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) has recently completed its #YouthEmpowered training initiative in Kano and Anambra States, which has positively impacted over 1,700 youths by equipping them with crucial skills necessary for thriving in corporate environments and succeeding in entrepreneurship. This program is a key element of NBC’s commitment to fostering youth development and generating job opportunities across Nigeria. The training provided to participants included practical sessions designed to enhance their career readiness, covering significant topics such as optimizing LinkedIn profiles for greater visibility in the job market, mastering project management fundamentals, utilizing AI innovations in business, and negotiating strategies for successful business dealings.
NBC’s initiative reflects a recognition of the critical role that young people play in shaping Nigeria’s future. According to Olukemi Ogunsakin, the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead at NBC, this particular training session marks a significant milestone, having collectively reached over 50,000 youths across 12 cities. She articulated the company’s dedication to empowering the next generation, emphasizing the importance of providing these young individuals with the requisite skills to thrive in a competitive landscape. The successful outreach in Kano and Anambra serves as a testament to NBC’s unwavering focus on youth engagement and development.
One of the standout features of the #YouthEmpowered program is the Director’s Business Grant, which allows participants to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas for a chance at securing funding. This initiative underscores NBC’s commitment to not only educating young Nigerians but also actively supporting their entrepreneurial journeys. The granting of financial support provides budding entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to translate their ideas into viable business ventures, fostering a spirit of innovation and resilience among the youth. This component of the program has garnered positive feedback, as it encourages creativity and practical application of the skills learned during the training sessions.
In addition to NBC’s efforts, the program has seen collaboration with various partners, including Mind the Gap, represented by its co-founder and Executive Director, Tayo Olosunde. He highlighted the transformative impact of the #YouthEmpowered initiative and expressed enthusiasm for its expansion into additional regions. Olosunde’s remarks reflect a broader vision for systemic change aimed at ensuring that no youthful potential is left untapped in the drive for economic growth and innovation. By continuing to build on the framework established by NBC, such partnerships are crucial for extending the reach and efficacy of the program.
The impact of the training on individual participants has been notable. Aisha-Abubakar Abbas, a winner of the Director’s Business Grant from Kano State, reflected on her personal growth, stating that the program has instilled in her the confidence necessary to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. This sentiment echoes the overarching goal of #YouthEmpowered: to instill a sense of capability and ambition in the youth, empowering them to take charge of their futures. By equipping participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the initiative is creating a generation of empowered young people poised to make significant contributions to the economy.
In conclusion, NBC’s #YouthEmpowered initiative represents a comprehensive approach to youth empowerment in Nigeria. By focusing on practical skill development and providing avenues for financial support through the Director’s Business Grant, NBC is not only addressing the skills gap among Nigerian youths but is also fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. As the program continues to grow and reach more regions, it stands to play an instrumental role in shaping a more prosperous and engaged future for Nigeria’s youth, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities necessary for success in an ever-evolving economic landscape.
