Diageo, a leading global beverage company, on monday, launched the “Learning for Life” programme in Nigeria, a free training initiative aimed at equipping 250 young Nigerians with practical skills needed to work in the hospitality industry.
The programme according to Adebayo Alli, Diageo Managing Director, is designed to address the pressing challenge of youth unemployment in Nigeria by providing inclusive opportunities for young people to acquire skills for sustainable employment and long-term economic empowerment.
Just as Lagos state government has assured that they will support 250 youths to participate in the initiative. Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Honourable Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said , the state government will fully support 250 youths to participate in the initiative.
With this additional numbers from Lagos state government, its means that 500 Nigerian youths will be selected to participate in the programme.
Commenting on the programme, Shobhit Jindal General Manager Celebr8-Lyfe, said
Diageo has partnered with Celebr-8 Lyfe and other stakeholders, including government ministries, academic institutions, and NGOs, to make the programme a success.
“The programme aims to empower young Nigerians with skills and knowledge to secure roles in the hospitality industry, such as bartenders, hotel front-desk staff, restaurant hosts, and event supervisors”.
The programme is open to young Nigerians aged 18 to 27 who reside in Lagos or can commit to staying in Lagos throughout the programme. Interested
applicants
can
apply
via
http꞉//bit.ly/3G6557V and
additional
information
is
also
available
at
www.DiageoBarAcademy.com.
Shobhit Jindal noted that applications are encouraged from women and persons with disabilities to foster inclusivity. Adding that 50% are slated for women, while 10% for persons with disabilities.
The “Learning for Life” participants will enjoy free classroom training, internship at top hospitality businesses in Lagos, job placement support, ongoing online learning through the Diageo Bar Academy and stipend for transportation and feeding during the programme.
Since its launch in Latin America in 2008, Learning for Life has impacted over 200,000 people across more than 20 countries. In Africa, the programme has run in Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Mozambique and now Nigeria.
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol, and the proud producer of some of the world’s most iconic and loved brands including, Johnnie Walker, Singleton, Baileys, Ciroc, Don Julio, Smirnoff, and Guinness.
Through its global sustainability strategy, Society 2030, Spirit of Progress, Diageo is using its Learning for Life programme to promote inclusion, diversity, and long term economic empowerment across the communities its operates in.
Photo Caption: L-R: Godfrey Adejumoh, Head of Corporate Relations, West & Central Africa, Ujunwa Chukwumah, Commercial Director, West Africa, Adebayo Alli, Diageo Managing Director,
Honourable Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment Lagos State, A representative of Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Shobhit Jindal General Manager, and Christianah Robinson, Communications & Sustainability Manager, West & Central Africa at the unveiling of “Learning for Life” on Monday 14, July 2025, in Lagos.
