The Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd. (NBC), a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, has significantly invested in youth development through its #YouthEmpowered initiative. This program aims to equip young Nigerians with essential employability and entrepreneurial skills, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy. In 2024, the initiative reached over 7,000 youths in Borno, Osun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory, building on a legacy of empowering young people since the program’s inception in 2017. The program’s impact extends beyond skill development, offering vital financial support to budding entrepreneurs through the Director’s Business Grant. This grant provides seed funding to selected participants who demonstrate promising business ideas, enabling them to translate their visions into viable ventures.
The #YouthEmpowered program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the modern business world. Workshops cover a wide range of topics, from financial literacy and project management to business planning and customer service. These sessions equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of starting and managing a business or succeeding in a competitive job market. The program emphasizes practical application, allowing participants to develop and refine their business ideas and pitch them to a panel for potential funding. This hands-on approach not only fosters innovation but also provides valuable experience in presenting and defending business proposals.
The impact of the #YouthEmpowered initiative is tangible, with ten outstanding participants from the recent workshops receiving the Director’s Business Grant. This financial boost provides these young entrepreneurs with the crucial capital needed to launch and scale their businesses. Among the recipients were Abubakar Mohammad Dungus from Borno, Emmanuel Oluwadamilare from Osun, and Agbasimere Chinonye Jessica from Oyo. Their selection highlights the program’s commitment to reaching young people across diverse geographical locations, promoting inclusive economic growth and opportunity throughout Nigeria. The grant represents more than just funding; it signifies a belief in the potential of these young entrepreneurs and provides them with the resources to transform their ideas into reality.
The #YouthEmpowered initiative has garnered positive recognition and support from various stakeholders. Bukola Bamiduro, Executive Director of Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, a key implementing partner, lauded the program’s impact. She highlighted its dual role in providing vital skills training and breaking down financial barriers for young entrepreneurs. This collaboration between NBC and partner organizations like Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation underscores the significance of public-private partnerships in driving positive social impact and empowering communities. The combined expertise and resources of these organizations create a synergistic effect, maximizing the program’s reach and effectiveness.
NBC’s commitment to youth development is deeply ingrained in its corporate social responsibility strategy and aligns with the broader vision of its parent company, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company. Oluwasoromidayo George, NBC’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering communities and fostering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The #YouthEmpowered program is a testament to this commitment, demonstrating a proactive approach to investing in the future of Nigeria. By equipping young people with the skills and resources they need to succeed, NBC contributes to building a more vibrant and sustainable economy.
The #YouthEmpowered initiative reflects a broader global commitment by Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company to invest in youth development. The company’s ambitious Mission 2025 aims to train one million young people across 28 countries, demonstrating a recognition of the crucial role young people play in shaping the future. The success of the program in Nigeria contributes significantly towards this global goal, highlighting the potential for impactful youth development programs across diverse cultural and economic contexts. The program serves as a model for corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating the power of private sector engagement in driving positive change and empowering future generations.
