Diageo Nigeria has celebrated the graduation of 167 young people from its Learning for Life skills programme. The initiative targets youth unemployment and training gaps in hospitality and tourism sectors across the country.
More than 1,000 applicants competed for just 300 spots in the first cohort. Adebayo Alli, the company's managing director, described the response as overwhelmingly positive.
Diageo originally planned to enrol 250 participants but expanded intake due to demand. Alli made this disclosure at the graduation ceremony held recently in Lagos.
So far, 150 trainees have secured internship positions. Many have already transitioned into permanent employment roles with hospitality firms.
Alli said the company intends to roll out the programme across Nigeria. It'll also expand into other African nations, working with local partners to reach more jobless youth.
Youth unemployment remains a critical challenge in Nigeria. Alli framed the initiative as Diageo's contribution to tackling this pressing national issue through vocational training and mentorship.
"Today is more than just a ceremony," Alli told the graduates. "It is a celebration of resilience, growth, opportunity, and the incredible potential that exists within young Nigerians when they are given access to the right support."
According to him, business success and community development must work together. Learning for Life embodies this philosophy by equipping young people with industry skills and employment pathways.
Diageo launched the programme in partnership with Celebr-8 Lyfe and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund. Their shared goal was straightforward: equipping Nigerians with practical hospitality skills.
Faustina Okeke, one graduate, shared how the training changed her trajectory. She had been shy and struggling to make sales before joining the programme.
"The amazing part was it wasn't just theory," she explained at the ceremony. "We practised, we were taught, and we expressed our opinions."
Okeke particularly valued the session on customer handling and conflict resolution. She now works as an intern at Padova Hotel and takes her responsibilities seriously.
"This programme changed my life," she told attendees. According to her, sometimes opportunity itself is a miracle when someone believes in you first.
Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development Mobolaji Ogunlende also addressed the graduates. He urged them to take pride in their roles, regardless of job titles.
"You are as vital as any other role," Ogunlende said. He acknowledged that not everyone would land office-based positions, but praised Diageo for creating genuine opportunity.
The commissioner described the initiative as bringing hope to those who felt hopeless. He advised graduates to value their professional networks and connections.
"The next person you meet could be your breakthrough," Ogunlende added. He encouraged trainees to leverage every interaction moving forward.
