Diageo Nigeria, in partnership with Celebr-8 Lyfe, the Lagos State Ministry of Employment and Wealth Creation, and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, has graduated more than 150 participants from the inaugural cohort of its Learning for Life initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerians with hospitality and tourism skills.
According to a statement, the programme, launched in September 2025, exceeded its initial target of training 250 youths, with over 300 participants completing the initiative.
Diageo stated that the programme provided structured training in hospitality, workplace readiness, mentorship, and employability support, while also creating employment pathways for participants.
According to the company, more than 150 participants secured internship placements across the Lagos hospitality sector, with several beneficiaries already transitioning into permanent employment after their internships.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the General Manager of Diageo West and Central Africa, Adebayo Alli, said the successful completion of the first cohort reflected the impact of collaboration in tackling youth unemployment and improving workforce readiness in the hospitality sector.
“Learning for Life reflects our belief that skills development is one of the most sustainable pathways to economic empowerment,” Alli said.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended Diageo Nigeria for creating opportunities for young Nigerians through the initiative.
He noted that youths account for about 60 per cent of Lagos State’s population and stressed the need for programmes that support their development.
“Diageo’s commitment to training young Nigerians is deliberate, long-term, and rooted in the desire to create meaningful opportunities for young people to grow, thrive, and contribute to the future of the hospitality industry and the economy as a whole,” Ogunlende said.
The Learning for Life initiative forms part of Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress agenda, which focuses on inclusion, community investment, and sustainable social impact.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Feyisayo Alayande, said the programme aligned with the state’s commitment to youth development and economic inclusion.
“Initiatives like Learning for Life are important in creating access and reducing barriers to opportunity for young Nigerians. The programme’s emphasis on practical training, inclusion, and employment pathways aligns strongly with our broader commitment to youth development and economic inclusion across Lagos State,” Alayande said.
The General Manager of Celebr-8 Lyfe, Shobhit Jindal, said the initiative demonstrated the impact of partnerships in delivering sustainable outcomes for young people.
“The success of this initiative demonstrates what is possible when organisations come together with a shared purpose. Through strong collaboration between Diageo, Celebr-8 Lyfe, the Ministry of Employment and Wealth Creation, and LSETF, we were able to move beyond intention and deliver practical opportunities that are already transforming lives and creating long-term career pathways for young people,” Jindal said.
The Head of Corporate Relations at Diageo West and Central Africa, Godfrey Adejumoh, said the programme intentionally promoted inclusion by creating opportunities for women and persons with disabilities.
“The initiative was intentionally designed to support inclusive participation by creating opportunities for women and persons with disabilities who are often under-represented within the formal economy. By combining technical training with practical workplace exposure, Learning for Life ensures participants are equipped with both industry-relevant skills and the confidence required to succeed professionally,” Adejumoh said.
Diageo Nigeria said the initiative reflects its commitment to empowering communities, strengthening industries, and creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth and social development.
