By Emeleze Victor Onos
Diageo Nigeria launched its Learning for Life Programme and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos State Government to train 500 youths in skills acquisition.
The event held on Monday at Diageo Nigeria’s office on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, was well attended by key partners and members of the media.
The MoU was signed by Bayo Ali, Managing Director of Diageo Nigeria, on behalf of the company, and Oyindamola Egbeyemi, Director of Programmes at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), on behalf of the Lagos State Government.
Speaking during the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe; who represented the Governor, commended Diageo Nigeria for the laudable initiative to empower Lagos youths with free training.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the programme and working closely with Diageo Nigeria to achieve its goals. While delivering the Governor’s speech, the Hon. Commissioner disclosed that there will be an increase in the number of participants from the initially slated 250 to 500 participants.
Speaking on the initiative, General Manager for Diageo, Adebayo Alli, emphasised Diageo’s broader commitment to empowerment and sustainable growth across the continent.
“We believe that economic empowerment begins with opportunity. Through Diageo Learning for Life, we are not only helping to shape future hospitality professionals, but we are also creating a ripple effect of transformation that impacts families, communities, and the broader Nigerian economy,” Bayo stated.
Also, Commercial Director for Diageo, Ujunwa Chukwumah; in a statement noted that the participants will benefit from a robust learning journey that blends in-person training, online coursework and real-world internships across some of Lagos’ top hospitality establishments.
“This initiative is more than a training programme; it is a catalyst for change. Diageo Learning for Life will help our young people, especially women, aiming to build a career in the Hospitality and Tourism sectors, unlock their potential and give them the tools needed to step confidently into the workforce,” Uju said.
Learning for Life is a free training programme by Diageo to equip young Nigerians, especially those who are unemployed or disadvantaged, with practical skills needed to work in the hospitality industry. It covers classroom training, internship, and job placement support.
Diageo Nigeria introduced ‘Learning for Life’ in Nigeria as a response to the pressing challenge of youth unemployment. By leveraging the fast-growing hospitality sector, to create inclusive opportunities that will equip young people with skills for sustainable employment and long-term economic empowerment.
Participants will be trained in a wide range of competencies, including hospitality business operations, communication and teamwork, bar and service skill, budgeting, CV writing, and job readiness. The programme also covers critical topics such as gender and disability inclusion, positive drinking practices, and how to address workplace harassment.
The programme is a comprehensive, blended learning experience. It begins with a one-week in-person training, followed by an 11-week internship at top hospitality businesses in Lagos. During the training , participants also engage in ongoing online learning through the Diageo Bar Academy.
Participants enjoy a range of benefits including free, high-quality training , a transport stipend, practical work experience through internships, mentorship, and post-programme career support. Outstanding interns may also receive job offers upon completion of the programme.
The programme is open to young Nigerians between the aged of 18 to 27years who either reside in Lagos or can commit to staying in Lagos throughout the programme. While open to all, it strongly encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities to foster inclusivity.
Interested applicants can apply via http://bit.ly/3G6557Vor contact the programme team through the provided phone or emalil. Additionalinformationis also available at www.DiageoBarAcademy.com.
The programme is completely free for all selected participants. Diageo fully covers the cost of training and also provides a stipend to support feeding and transportation during the programme period.
Graduates of the programme can secure roles such as bartenders, hotel front-desk staff, restaurant hosts, and event supervisors. They can also establish their own businesses in the hospitality space, further multiplying the impact of the, programme.
The success of Learning for Life is made possible through key partnership with our partner, Celebr-8 Lyfe, and collaborations with other stakeholders, including government ministries (such as Tourism, Labour, and Women Affairs), academic institutions like UNILAG, YABATECH, LASU, and NGOs.
About Diageo
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, Cîroc, 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 it operates in.
