The Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (NBC) has reiterated its dedication to youth empowerment by training over 1,000 young individuals in Ogun State through its renowned initiative, #YouthEmpowered. This significant event, conducted on October 14 and 15, 2024, at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta, aimed to equip participants with vital entrepreneurial skills. NBC’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship in Nigeria was highlighted in a statement released following the workshop. The initiative underscores the importance of investing in the youth, as they play a crucial role in driving socioeconomic development in the region and beyond.
During the event, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele praised NBC for its ongoing efforts to combat youth unemployment and to encourage entrepreneurship. She emphasized that initiatives like #YouthEmpowered are essential for providing young people with the skills needed for personal and collective growth, which in turn fosters sustainable progress in Ogun State. The Deputy Governor pointed out that challenges such as unemployment need to be addressed with innovative solutions, further underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving these goals.
Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, spoke on the necessity of vocational and digital skills in the contemporary labor market. He affirmed that NBC’s initiative corresponds with the changing demands of the economy, highlighting that competence in these areas is more crucial than ever for young individuals seeking career advancement. This sentiment was echoed by Sola Arobieke, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor, who recognized NBC’s significant contribution towards facilitating youth development in the state through educational programs and workshops.
Ahmed Alao, the Execution Excellence Director of NBC, elaborated on the long-term benefits of the #YouthEmpowered program for nation-building. He articulated NBC’s belief that the true strength of any nation rests within its youth. Alao emphasized that the company’s commitment extends beyond mere corporate responsibility; it is a fundamental aspect of their mission to invest in people and communities. The initiative serves as a pledge to contribute positively to Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape, reflecting NBC’s long-standing dedication to fostering potential among the younger generation.
Since its launch in 2017, the #YouthEmpowered program has impacted more than 50,000 young Nigerians across 13 different cities, providing them with essential skills necessary for personal and professional development. The program encompasses critical areas such as entrepreneurship, employability, financial literacy, and life skills, equipping participants to thrive in an ever-changing global environment. In Ogun State specifically, the training involved hands-on sessions on business planning, financial management, customer service, and effective sales techniques, empowering the youth with practical tools that are indispensable in today’s economy.
The two-day workshop culminated in a demonstration of NBC’s support for local entrepreneurship, highlighted by the awarding of ₦100,000 to a budding entrepreneur who successfully pitched their business idea during the event. This gesture not only showcased NBC’s commitment to nurturing local talent but also served as a motivation for participants to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Such initiatives are pivotal for fostering a culture of innovation and enterprise among the youth, driving both personal success and broader economic growth in Nigeria. Overall, the contributions made by NBC through #YouthEmpowered exemplify the impact corporate responsibility can have in propelling socioeconomic development and uplifting communities.
