Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., part of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has officially kicked off the 2026 edition of its flagship youth development initiative, #YouthEmpowered (YE), with the first training session held at the University of Lagos on February 2, 2026.
Targeting young Nigerians aged 16 to 35, the #YouthEmpowered programme has, since 2017, impacted over 70,000 participants nationwide by equipping them with practical skills, confidence, and exposure essential for career growth and entrepreneurship. The programme bridges the gap between education and employability through hands-on learning, real-world insights, and access to career-shaping opportunities.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the 2026 edition is being delivered in collaboration with Fate Foundation as implementing partner, and supported by funding from The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation. NBC highlighted that the programme’s expanded reach and impact are made possible through shared expertise, resources, and a collective commitment to empowering Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.
Waliat Adedogun, a participant who won a cash grant via the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition to support her small business, described the experience as transformative. “#YouthEmpowered gave me more than training, it gave me clarity and confidence. Winning the grant means I can finally take my business idea from a dream into something real,” she said.
The 2026 rollout will extend to more tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), building on last year’s successful programme that reached seven cities, including Makurdi, Jos, Benin, Kaduna, Asaba, Akure, and Port Harcourt. Participants will receive training across key modules covering Business Life Skills, Adaptability and Resilience, Financial Literacy, Customer Service and Communication, Sales and Negotiation, and Workplace Ethics. Additional workshops will focus on Business Planning, Project Management, and Time Management.
The programme also includes the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition, providing participants the opportunity to pitch business ideas for funding, alongside NBC’s People and Culture team identifying outstanding talent for future organisational opportunities.
With the #YouthEmpowered initiative, NBC continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth investment, promoting employability, entrepreneurship, and long-term career growth across Nigeria.
