Diageo Nigeria has graduated 157 young Nigerians under its Learning for Life skills development initiative, reinforcing efforts to tackle youth unemployment and strengthen workforce capacity within the hospitality and tourism sector.
The graduation ceremony, held in Lagos, brought together government officials, industry stakeholders, and development partners, highlighting the growing role of public-private collaboration in addressing skills gaps and expanding job opportunities for young people across Nigeria.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the initiative is part of Diageo Nigeria’s broader youth empowerment strategy, with a 2025 target designed to equip hundreds of participants with job-ready skills, particularly focusing on women and persons living with disabilities.
The programme attracted over 1,000 applicants, with 303 participants selected for intensive classroom training covering hospitality operations, hygiene standards, financial literacy, conflict management, and personal branding. Out of these, 157 graduates completed an 11-week internship placement across hotels, restaurants, bars, and lounges in Lagos State.
Company officials stated that the initiative reflects Diageo’s global commitment to skills development, which has impacted hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries across multiple countries, with a strong focus on employability and social inclusion.
They also emphasized that the programme, which began internationally in 2008, was designed to break barriers to employment by providing structured vocational training and real-world industry exposure for young people.
Data from the programme shows a strong gender inclusion focus, with women making up a significant majority of beneficiaries in Nigeria, reflecting deliberate efforts to improve access to opportunities for female participants in the hospitality sector.
Government representatives present at the event praised the initiative, describing it as a practical solution to youth unemployment by equipping participants with entrepreneurial and technical skills beyond traditional academic learning.
Officials from Lagos State noted that the hospitality and tourism industries remain critical drivers of job creation and economic diversification, urging continued investment in vocational training and private-sector partnerships to support youth development.
Beneficiaries also shared personal testimonies, with some graduates describing how the programme transformed their confidence, employability, and life direction through structured training and mentorship opportunities.
Through the Learning for Life programme, Diageo Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to expanding skills development initiatives nationwide, positioning hospitality training as a key pathway for youth empowerment, economic participation, and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.
