The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, in collaboration with the West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE) Academy, has successfully concluded the training of over 500 young individuals in viable employability and digital skills across Nigeria. This initiative reaffirms NBC’s steadfast commitment to youth empowerment while addressing the issue of unemployment in the country.
The comprehensive training program aimed to equip young individuals, including women, with high-demand skills that enable them to excel in the competitive market landscape and scale their business endeavors. This initiative was made possible through a €1 million (euros) donation from NBC’s parent company, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC), dedicated to supporting communities through impactful social programs.
Speaking at the program’s closing ceremony in Lagos, Juliana Esezobor, the People and Culture Director at NBC, emphasised the significance of harnessing the potential of the youth population.
She stated, “At the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), we are dedicated to bridging this gap and creating a nurturing atmosphere for the growth of young talents across the nation.”
Esezobor highlighted NBC’s ongoing efforts in youth empowerment, citing the success of their flagship Youth Empowered program that has enhanced the employability and entrepreneurial skills of over 39,000 youths in the last five years. She reiterated the company’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to the communities in which they operate, with youth empowerment being a key aspect of their strategy.
Omolade Adeniyi, the CEO of WAVE Academy, expressed pride in witnessing the transformation of these young participants into skilled professionals. Adeniyi commended NBC’s dedication to empowering the youth and enabling them to achieve financial independence, thereby reducing poverty and promoting self-awareness in Nigeria. She emphasised the vital role partnerships play in creating a brighter and more prosperous future for the younger generation.
Adeniyi highlighted the comprehensive training received by the participants, encompassing high-demand digital skills such as web design, data analytics, CompTIA Network+, multimedia, and digital marketing. Following the training, more than 35 percent of the beneficiaries secured primary assignments in various industries, including Hospitality, Fashion, ICT, Education, and Sales, while approximately 30 percent have embarked on their entrepreneurial journeys.
For over seven decades, NBC, as part of the Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, has consistently taken a leading role in implementing transformative initiatives that empower women and youth across the country. These initiatives enable individuals to make significant contributions to their families and communities, fostering positive change and development.
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