Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd., a leading consumer packaged goods company and a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has announced the commencement of the 2026 edition of its flagship Youth Empowered (YE) programme. The first training session for the year was held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on February 2, 2026.
Targeted at young people between the ages of 16 and 35, the Youth Empowered initiative reinforces NBC’s long-term commitment to human capital development in Nigeria. Since its launch in 2017, the programme has impacted more than 70,000 young Nigerians, equipping participants with practical skills, confidence, and exposure needed to succeed in today’s dynamic workplace and entrepreneurial environment.
The 2026 edition is being delivered in collaboration with Fate Foundation as the implementing partner, with funding support from The Coca-Cola HBC Foundation. NBC expressed appreciation to both partners for their continued collaboration, noting that the programme’s growing reach and impact are made possible through shared expertise, resources, and a collective commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
Speaking about her experience at the University of Lagos training, Waliat Adedogun, a participant who received a cash grant through the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition to support her small business, said: “Youth Empowered 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. I now feel prepared to build, grow, and create opportunities not just for myself, but for others too.”
NBC reaffirmed that empowering young people remains critical to Nigeria’s social and economic progress. The Youth Empowered programme was designed to bridge the gap between education and employability by providing hands-on learning, real-world insights, and access to career-shaping opportunities.
In 2025, the initiative recorded some of its most tangible outcomes. Ten beneficiaries were selected for six-month paid internships across NBC locations in Lagos, Ibadan, Asejire, and Challawa, where they gained direct industry exposure. Additionally, three outstanding participants received sponsorship for an all-expenses-paid intensive culinary training programme and were awarded ₦1 million each to support the launch of their businesses.
Building on this foundation, the 2026 rollout will expand to more tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). This follows a successful 2025 tour that reached seven cities across the country, including Makurdi, Jos, Benin, Kaduna, Asaba, Akure, and Port Harcourt.
Participants in the 2026 programme will receive training across key modules designed to support personal, professional, and business growth. These modules include Business Life Skills, Adaptability and Resilience, Financial Literacy, Customer Service and Communication, Sales and Negotiation Skills, and Workplace Ethics. The sessions will also feature breakout workshops on Business Planning, Project Management, and Time Management.
A key highlight of the programme is the Director’s Grant Pitch Competition, where participants can present their business ideas for a chance to win funding support. In addition to skills development, NBC’s People and Culture team will be present throughout the programme to identify outstanding talent for future opportunities within the organisation, strengthening the connection between learning, employment, and long-term career growth.
About #YouthEmpowered
#YouthEmpowered is a youth development initiative by the Coca-Cola HBC Group, the parent company of Nigerian Bottling Company. The programme is committed to equipping young individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to address one of the most pressing challenges, employability. Through workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programmes, #YouthEmpowered empowers young people to unlock their potential and build sustainable careers with confidence and strong professional networks.
Since 2017, the programme has trained over one million young people across 15 markets, surpassing its original goal.
About the Nigerian Bottling Company
Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd is part of Coca-Cola HBC, a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola HBC operates across 29 countries, working with customers to serve about 750 million consumers. Its portfolio spans sparkling, adult sparkling, juice, water, sport, energy, ready-to-drink tea, coffee, and premium spirits categories.
NBC manufactures, markets, and distributes brands including Carbonated Soft Drinks such as Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes and Limca; Still Drinks such as the Five Alive range and Eva water; and partners with other beverage businesses to sell Monster and Predator energy drinks as well as premium spirit brands. More information can be found at https://ng.coca-colahellenic.com/.
