Diageo Partners Lagos To Launch Youth Skills Training Initiative

A global beverage company, Diageo, Lagos State government and Celebr-8 Lyfe, have launched the learning for life (L4L) programme with a practical pathway for unemployed youths in the state.

The skills development initiative aims to empower young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 27 years, especially women and Persons with Disabilities (PWD), with training and direct  sustainable employment paths focusing on hospitality, entrepreneurship, bartending, and retail service.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, general manager for Diageo, Adebayo Alli emphasised Diageo’s broader commitment to empowerment and sustainable growth across the continent.

“We believe that economic empowerment begins with opportunity. Through Diageo Learning for Life, we are not only helping to shape future hospitality professionals, but we are also creating a ripple effect of transformation that impacts families, communities, and the broader Nigerian economy,” Bayo stated.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu ably represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action to tackle the unemployment conundrum.

“Unemployment in Nigeria, particularly among its vast youth population, is not merely an economic statistic; it is a deepening national crisis. Addressing it is critical for our survival, stability, and future prosperity,” he stated.

He noted that, Lagos State is increasing the scope of participation from 250 to 500 beneficiaries, as they will be receiving post-training support, including six months of government-funded work placement with partner organisations. Diageo is partnering with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund with whom it signed a memorandum of understanding, to bring the L4L initiative to Nigerians.

The LSETF was represented by Oyindamola Egbeyemi.

The firm reiterated that the success of Diageo Learning for Life (L4L) Nigeria is underpinned by strong partnerships with its Partner Celebr-8 Lyfe, Government Ministries (Tourism, Education, Employment, Youth and Women Affairs), Tertiary Institutions (University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic) and Private Sector collaborators.

Also, general manager, Celebr-8 Lyfe, Shobhit Jindal, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership and impact of the Programme.

“We are not just training young people, we are preparing them to lead, thrive, and transform the hospitality industry from within. We are proud to be part of a Programme that aligns so deeply with our values of purpose-driven engagement and social impact,” he said.

The Diageo Learning for Life programme is completely free for all selected participants who either reside in Lagos State or can commit to staying in the state throughout the 3-month duration of the training. While a provision for a stipend to support feeding and transportation during the programme period.