The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, one of the leading consumer packaged goods company and member of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC), has reiterated its long-standing commitment to nurturing future leaders in the country by training over 1,800 youths on viable entrepreneurship and career skills during the 2023 campus edition of its #YouthEmpowered initiative.
The Coca-Cola HBC #YouthEmpowered initiative which is in its 6th year, having commenced in 2017, is geared towards attaining its target of impacting the lives of at least one million youths across 28 countries by 2025.
Kicking off the 2023 edition on the 12th and 13th of December 2023 in Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and University of Lagos (Unilag) respectively, #YouthEmpowered is already proving to be a catalyst for positive change, grooming the next generation of young, skilful, and impactful leaders that can drive socioeconomic development in the country.
Olukemi Ogunsakin, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Specialist at the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited said: “We cannot overemphasize the importance of fostering the leadership capabilities of youths and their attendant impact on nation-building.
“So, with our YouthEmpowered initiative, we are looking at helping young Nigerians hone high-demand professional and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to the progress of our society.
Whereas the first phase of the initiative has been completed in Yabatech and Unilag, we expect to reach other communities across the country next year, starting with the Lagos State University in Lagos by the first quarter of 2024
Adedoyin Shittu, Programme Officer, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation commented:
“We are proud to collaborate with NBC on this project. The strides made by the company in fostering skills development, education, and community engagement resonate deeply with our foundation’s vision. Together, we are not only addressing the challenges faced by today’s youth but also laying the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future. This partnership exemplifies the power of collective action and shared values in creating positive change.”