By Rukayat Moisemhe
Diageo Nigeria has graduated 157 young Nigerians under its Learning for Life programme and pledged to expand the initiative nationwide to address youth unemployment and strengthen skills development in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The General Manager of Diageo Nigeria, Mr Adebayo Alli, made this known at the graduation ceremony held on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Diageo Nigeria, in partnership with Celebr-8 Lyfe and the Lagos State Government, targeted the empowerment of 250 youths in 2025, with emphasis on women and Persons Living with Disabilities.
Alli said the programme was designed to equip young people with employable skills and create pathways to sustainable careers.
According to him, the programme attracted more than 1,000 applications for its inaugural cohort.
He said Diageo’s investment in youth empowerment reflected its commitment to creating positive social impact in communities where it operates.
Alli described youth unemployment as a major challenge in Nigeria, adding that the company remained committed to supporting solutions through skills acquisition and employability initiatives.
He disclosed that 300 participants were admitted for training, exceeding the initial target of 250 beneficiaries.
“Out of the 300 participants, 150 are currently placed in the industry as interns while many have secured permanent employment.
“This demonstrates our commitment to planting the seed for their success and watching it blossom. It is truly a proud day for us,” he said.
Alli said the graduation marked a milestone in Diageo’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment and promote economic empowerment.
He added that the company would continue to scale the initiative through additional cohorts and strategic partnerships.
“This is our first cohort and we have learnt a lot from the experience. The knowledge gained will help us improve future editions of the programme.
“We plan to continue with cohorts two, three and four while expanding our reach across Nigeria and Africa.
“If we are to scale this initiative tenfold, it must encompass all of Nigeria. Wherever there are young people and opportunities in hospitality and tourism, we will partner with local organisations to reach them,” he said.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended Diageo Nigeria for creating opportunities for young Nigerians through the initiative.
Ogunlende said many youths were eager to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society, even outside traditional white-collar jobs.
According to him, youths constitute about 60 per cent of Lagos State’s population, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support their development.
“Too often, I see bright and intelligent young people simply searching for opportunities.
“The truth is that not every young person will secure a white-collar job, but everyone deserves a platform to develop their talents and build a future,” he said.
The commissioner described the programme as more than a corporate social responsibility initiative, noting that it restored confidence and inspired hope among young people facing economic challenges.
He said vocational and hospitality careers remained critical to economic growth and deserved greater recognition.
“You need to have passion, professionalism and, most importantly, pride in your work.
“Stand tall and be proud of what you do because every interaction can become an opportunity, and the next person you meet could be the key to your next success,” Ogunlende said.
He urged the graduates to leverage relationships and professional networks to advance their careers, stressing that strong connections often create pathways to success.
Ogunlende also encouraged private sector organisations to continue investing in youth-focused initiatives that promote skills development, job creation and economic inclusion.
One of the beneficiaries, Faustina Okeke, said the programme transformed her life after years of hardship following the loss of both parents at the age of nine.
Okeke said she survived by selling confectioneries while hoping for a better future.
According to her, she learnt about the programme through a friend and, in spite of the initial scepticism, applied, attended an interview and was selected for the training.
She said the programme equipped participants with practical life and workplace skills, including customer service and conflict resolution.
Okeke added that the training helped her overcome shyness and build confidence through practical exercises and interactive sessions.
She said the skills acquired proved valuable during her internship as a hotel receptionist and contributed significantly to her personal and professional development. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
