The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has reiterated its commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the skills and confidence to lead tomorrow.

The company’s Youth Empowerment initiative, launched in 2017, has become one of the most impactful youth development programmes in Nigeria and across 28 countries where Coca-Cola HBC operates.

Having surpassed its goal of reaching one million young people across these locations by 2025, the initiative continues to expand as a platform for nation building, skills development, and real-world career preparation.

Speaking on the new edition of the 2025 Youth Empowered (YE) Tour, holding in Kaduna the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at NBC, Soromidayo George, said the programme reflects NBC’s consistent investment in Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.

“At NBC, we believe Nigerian youths are central to the country’s progress. By empowering them with practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities.

We are not only shaping their individual futures but also contributing to the nation’s collective growth. The Youth Empowered initiative is a demonstration of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators, leaders, and change-makers,” George said.

To make the programme more impactful, he said NBC has strengthened Youth Empowered with additional experiential learning opportunities.

The company had earlier this year sponsored select beneficiaries to an intensive culinary masterclass, helping them refine their craft. Three winners were also rewarded with ₦1m each to support them in building sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria’s growing food and hospitality sector. In addition, ten other participants were placed in NBC, where they gained practical workplace exposure and hands-on skills to better prepare them for professional careers.

The 2025 edition will feature interactive workshops, and capacity-building sessions, giving participants practical insights into building sustainable businesses, advancing their careers, and leveraging digital tools for growth.

After the Kaduna launch, the tour will continue across Nigeria with stops in Ondo, Port Harcourt, Edo, Benue, Niger, Jos, and Delta, building on the 2024 edition, which engaged young people in Abuja, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Enugu, Lagos, Kano, Anambra, and Maiduguri.