The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has commended Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), the non-alcoholic beverage giant, for taking the lead in promoting entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths through its Youth Empowered Initiative.
The Minister made this known during the 3-day Youth Empowered Workshop in Abuja sponsored by NBC where over 500 youths were trained on life and business skills from the 8 – 10th of October, 2019.
The NBC Youth Empowered workshop is part of the Coca-Cola Hellenic global initiative designed to support over 1, 000,000 young people globally between the ages of 18-30 by 2025 to build life and business skills and long-lasting networks that would enable them transit to meaningful employment.
While declaring the workshop open in Abuja, Ngige who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Special Duties/Projects, Dr. Martina Nwordu, described the initiative as laudable, affirming that such platform would greatly ignite entrepreneurial spirit in Nigerian youths.
He further stated that it was gratifying to note that private sector businesses like NBC was taking the lead in initiatives that would enhance the potential of the teeming Nigerian youths to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Ngige who urged participants to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by the company disclosed that the Federal Government remains committed to solving unemployment challenges in the country.
“I am very happy that you all chose to be here today, to empower yourselves and I want to reassure you all that the Ministry of Labour is totally committed to addressing the challenges of unemployment and underemployment confronting the youths of this country”, She said.
In his welcome remarks, NBC’s Public Affairs and Communications Director, Mr. Ekuma Eze stated that the initiative was developed to help young people to achieve their career ambitions by supporting them with relevant skills and right information they need to transit to meaningful employment as well as enhancing their potentials to be self -employed or job creators.
“We want to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship with these trainings. The experience we have had in the nine cities we have reached so far show that these young champions are very talented and need a guide to express their ingenuity. This is why our Youth Empowered program is focused on providing that necessary opportunity to create more employment and galvanize the youths towards understanding the best way to accomplish their goals”, Eze said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Industrial Development Department of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Opaluwa John equally applauded NBC for organizing the programme, adding that it would contribute in no small way to prepare the youth as well as Nigeria’s economy for a rewarding and better future.
Youths who are unable to attend the 3-day live training can also get the same experience on-line via a digital hub. The practical learnings from the program are life changing and can be applied by the participants on their own, at the workplace or in their entrepreneurship drive.
