In a time when youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, Diageo Nigeria has stepped up with a powerful, people-first initiative designed to equip young people with real-world job skills, confidence, and purpose. Through its 2025 Learning for Life (L4L) programme, the company is training 250 young Nigerians, with a strong focus on women and persons with disabilities, for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Launched in Lagos this July in partnership with Celebr‑8 Lyfe, this program blends classroom learning, digital training, and hands-on internships to prepare participants for lasting employment and professional growth in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
“This is not just about jobs—it’s about futures,” said Adebayo Alli, General Manager of Diageo Nigeria. “We believe that economic empowerment starts with opportunity and inclusion. Every young person trained through this programme represents a step forward for Nigeria’s workforce and society.”
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Building Skills for the Real World
The Learning for Life initiative was created by Diageo globally as a way to promote sustainable development, social mobility, and workforce inclusion across communities. In Nigeria, the local iteration of the programme is ambitious, inclusive, and deeply practical.
The 250 selected participants will receive intensive training in hospitality service, communications, teamwork, and bar operations. But the curriculum goes far beyond that. It also includes vital life skills like:
- Personal budgeting
- CV writing and interview prep
- Workplace confidence and professionalism
- Responsible alcohol service
- Gender equality, inclusion, and anti-harassment awareness
“This programme is designed not just to get young people into jobs, but to keep them there, to help them thrive and grow,” explained Ujunwa Chukwumah, Diageo’s Commercial Director.
After their classroom and online learning, participants will undergo an 11-week internship at top Lagos hotels, restaurants, lounges, and airport hospitality venues. The best-performing interns will be offered permanent roles, turning training into a tangible career transformation.
Inclusive and Supportive by Design
What makes this programme stand out is its inclusive approach. At least half of the trainees will be women, and a significant portion will be persons with disabilities, ensuring underrepresented groups are not just included but intentionally prioritised.
To further lower barriers, trainees will receive transport stipends, digital access for e-learning, and ongoing support through the Diageo Bar Academy, a global platform for upskilling hospitality professionals.
“There are many young people with big dreams but limited access,” said Shobhit Jindal, General Manager at Celebr‑8 Lyfe. “We’re here to close that gap. This is about equity and dignity.”
Impact Beyond Nigeria
While this marks a significant expansion in Nigeria, the programme is not new to Africa. In recent years, Diageo has trained over 200 youths in Angola and Ethiopia, with more than 50% of participants securing jobs before even finishing their internships.
Encouraged by these results, Diageo recently signed an agreement with Cameroon’s Ministry of Tourism to extend the programme there as well.
Timeline and Application Details
Here’s what interested applicants should know:
- Eligibility: Nigerian youth aged 18–27, preferably residing in Lagos
- Priority: Women and persons with disabilities
- Applications Open: 14 July 2025
- Applications Close: 28 July 2025
- Training Week: 11–17 August 2025
- Internship Period: 1 September – 17 November 2025
- Job Placements: Mid-November 2025
Applications are currently open on the Diageo Bar Academy portal and Celebr‑8 Lyfe’s official channels.
A Broad Network of Support
Behind the scenes, this initiative is also a shining example of public-private collaboration. Diageo Nigeria and Celebr‑8 Lyfe are working closely with:
- Lagos State Ministries of Tourism, Education, and Youth Development
- Local universities and polytechnics, including UNILAG, YABATECH, and Lagos State Polytechnic
- Private sector hospitality partners are committed to mentoring interns
This multi-stakeholder involvement enhances the quality and reach of the programme, ensuring its sustainability beyond 2025.
Why It Matters
Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world, and yet millions of young people remain underemployed or stuck in low-paying informal jobs. Hospitality, especially in urban centres like Lagos, offers a growing sector full of untapped opportunity—if workers have the right skills.
Learning for Life is timely, targeted, and transformational.
- It creates jobs in a sector hungry for talent
- It champions inclusivity, giving access to marginalised youth
- It boosts Nigeria’s economy by fostering professional hospitality standards
Conclusion
In a landscape where many talk about change, Diageo Nigeria is taking clear, measurable steps to empower young people and uplift communities. For the 250 participants of the 2025 L4L cohort, this training could be the turning point that reshapes not just their career path—but their entire lives.
If you know a young person in Lagos who aspires to work in hospitality, now is the perfect time to encourage them to apply. This opportunity is more than a job training—it’s a door opening toward a dignified future.
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