Nigerian Bottling Company Deepens Youth Investment with 2026 Youth Empowered Programme Launch
The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, a prominent consumer packaged goods company and member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has officially inaugurated the 2026 edition of its flagship Youth Empowered programme. The initiative kicked off with its inaugural training session at the University of Lagos on February 2, 2026, marking another significant step in the company's ongoing commitment to youth development across Nigeria.
Expanding Reach and Impact
Targeting young Nigerians aged between 16 and 35 years, the Youth Empowered programme continues to demonstrate NBC's long-term dedication to human capital development. Since its inception in 2017, this transformative initiative has positively impacted more than 70,000 young individuals nationwide, providing them with essential practical skills, increased confidence, and valuable exposure necessary to thrive in today's rapidly evolving workplace and entrepreneurial environment.
The 2026 programme is being implemented in strategic partnership with Fate Foundation as the executing partner, with crucial funding support from The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation. NBC has expressed profound appreciation for both partners' continued collaboration, emphasizing that the programme's expanding reach and growing impact are made possible through shared expertise, pooled resources, and a collective commitment to empowering Nigeria's next generation of leaders and innovators.
Tangible Success Stories and Future Expansion
Speaking about her personal experience at the University of Lagos training session, Waliat Adedogun, a participant who received a cash grant through the Director's Grant Pitch Competition to support her small business venture, shared her perspective. "Youth Empowered gave me more than just training; it provided me with clarity and confidence. Winning the grant means I can finally transform my business idea from a dream into something tangible and real. I now feel thoroughly prepared to build, grow, and create opportunities not just for myself, but for others as well," she stated enthusiastically.
NBC has reaffirmed that empowering young people remains absolutely critical to Nigeria's social and economic progress. The Youth Empowered programme was specifically designed to bridge the persistent gap between formal education and practical employability by delivering hands-on learning experiences, real-world insights, and access to career-shaping opportunities that make a genuine difference.
The 2025 edition of the initiative recorded some of its most substantial outcomes to date. Ten exceptional beneficiaries were carefully selected for six-month paid internships across various NBC locations in Lagos, Ibadan, Asejire, and Challawa, gaining direct industry exposure and valuable professional experience. Additionally, three outstanding participants received comprehensive sponsorship for an all-expenses-paid intensive culinary training programme and were each awarded ₦1 million to support the successful launch of their business ventures.
Building upon this strong foundation, the 2026 rollout will significantly expand to include more tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure. This expansion follows a highly successful 2025 tour that reached seven major cities nationwide: Makurdi, Jos, Benin, Kaduna, Asaba, Akure, and Port Harcourt.
Comprehensive Training Modules and Career Opportunities
Participants enrolled in the 2026 programme will receive extensive training across multiple key modules specifically designed to support comprehensive personal, professional, and business growth. These modules include:
- Business Life Skills Development
- Adaptability and Resilience Training
- Financial Literacy Education
- Customer Service and Communication Excellence
- Sales and Negotiation Techniques
- Workplace Ethics and Professional Standards
The training sessions will also feature specialized breakout workshops focusing on Business Planning, Project Management, and Time Management strategies. A highlight of the programme remains the Director's Grant Pitch Competition, where motivated participants can present their innovative business ideas for a chance to win substantial funding to launch their entrepreneurial dreams.
Beyond skills development, NBC's People and Culture team will be actively present throughout the entire programme to identify exceptional talent for future opportunities within the organization. This strategic approach further strengthens the vital connection between practical learning, meaningful employment, and sustainable long-term career growth for Nigeria's youth.
