Ogun Deputy Gov Hails NBC As Firm Trains 1,000 Youths

The Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth with the training of over 1,000 young people in Ogun State through #YouthEmpowered, its flagship youth empowerment initiative.

Held on 14 and 15 of October, at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, the workshop equipped participants with vital skills in employability and entrepreneurship.

Ogun State deputy governor, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who was present at the event, commended NBC’s relentless efforts to address youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship.

“I applaud NBC for its unwavering commitment to youth empowerment,” said the Deputy Governor. “This initiative plays a vital role in equipping our young people with the skills necessary to drive Ogun State’s socioeconomic development. Public-private partnerships like these are key to sustainable progress.”

She further emphasised that unemployment and a lack of employability skills remain significant challenges for Nigerian youth, noting that Ogun State’s initiatives like OgunTech Hub and OgunCares were helping to address the gaps.

The Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Dr. Adeoye David Odedeji, also highlighted the importance of vocational and digital skills in today’s economy. He affirmed that NBC’s initiative aligned with the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

Ms. Sola Arobieke, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging NBC’s pivotal role in advancing youth development.

Also speaking at the event, Ahmed Alao, Execution Excellence Director of Nigerian Bottling Company, stressed the long-term impact of the #YouthEmpowered program on nation-building.

“At Nigerian Bottling Company, we believe that the heart of any nation lies in its people, especially its youth. Our commitment to investing in people and communities is more than corporate responsibility; it’s the foundation of our mission. Empowering the next generation is not just an initiative—it’s a pledge to contribute to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development,” Alao stated.

Since its inception in 2017, NBC’s #YouthEmpowered program has positively impacted over 50,000 young Nigerians in 13 cities, equipping them with crucial skills for personal and professional growth. The program focuses on entrepreneurship, employability, financial literacy, and life skills, preparing participants to excel in an ever-evolving world.

In Ogun State, participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering business planning, financial management, customer service, and sales techniques, providing them with practical tools to succeed in today’s economy.

The event ended with a meaningful demonstration of NBC’s support for local businesses with an award of ₦100,000 to a budding entrepreneur, who participated in a business pitch session.