The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), a key player in the consumer packaged goods sector and part of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has initiated the 2026 version of its acclaimed Youth Empowered (YE) program, launching the first training session on February 2, 2026, at the University of Lagos.
Aimed at young individuals aged between 16 and 35, the Youth Empowered initiative underlines NBC’s commitment to fostering human capital development in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2017, this program has positively influenced over 70,000 young Nigerians, providing them with practical skills, the confidence to succeed, and exposure necessary for navigating the current job market and entrepreneurial environment.
In 2026, NBC will deliver the program in partnership with Fate Foundation, which serves as the project’s implementing partner, alongside funding support from The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation. NBC expressed gratitude to its partners for their unwavering collaboration, emphasizing that the program’s expanding reach and effectiveness stem from their combined expertise and dedication toward empowering Nigeria's future leaders.
Waliat Adedogun, a participant who secured a cash grant via the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition to bolster her small business, praised her experience at the UNILAG training, stating: "Youth Empowered has given me more than just training; it has provided clarity and confidence. Winning the grant allows me to transform my business concept from a mere dream into reality. I now feel equipped to build, expand, and create opportunities not just for myself, but for others as well."
NBC reiterated the significance of empowering youth in driving Nigeria's social and economic advancement. The Youth Empowered program aims to bridge the divide between education and employability by providing experiential learning opportunities, real-world insights, and access to career-enhancing prospects.
Looking ahead, this year's program intends to extend its outreach to additional higher education institutions, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), following a successful 2025 tour that connected with seven cities across Nigeria, such as Makurdi, Jos, Benin, Kaduna, Asaba, Akure, and Port Harcourt.
Participants in the 2026 initiative will be trained in crucial areas aimed at enhancing their personal, professional, and entrepreneurial development, including business life skills, adaptability, financial literacy, customer service, sales, negotiation skills, and workplace ethics. The program will also include focused workshops on business planning, project management, and time management, supplemented by the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition, where participants can present their ideas for a chance to obtain business funding.
Additionally, NBC’s People and Culture team will be involved throughout the program to identify remarkable talents for potential future employment within the company, thereby enhancing the link between education, employment, and long-term career progression.
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