Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has welcomed 20 young Nigerians into the 2026 cohort of its Youth Empowered Internship Programme, reaffirming its commitment to equipping young people with practical workplace experience and skills that enhance employability and career readiness.
The six-month internship programme is designed to provide participants with immersive learning opportunities across key business functions, including Supply Chain and Commercial Operations. Throughout the programme, the interns will gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from seasoned professionals, and develop critical workplace competencies within one of Nigeria’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies.
The new cohort emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving beneficiaries of the Youth Empowered initiative from several tertiary institutions, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Abuja, and the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA).
The programme builds on the success of its inaugural cohort launched in 2025, where 10 participants completed six-month placements across various business units within NBC. Notably, at least three members of the pioneer cohort have since secured full-time employment with the company, highlighting the programme’s effectiveness in creating meaningful career pathways.
Since its inception in 2017, the Youth Empowered programme has impacted more than 70,000 young Nigerians through employability training, entrepreneurship development, professional skills acquisition, and structured internship opportunities. The initiative has also supported participants pursuing vocational careers by providing access to professional training in areas such as culinary arts and mixology.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Soromidayo George, Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at NBC, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between education and employment.
“Creating meaningful pathways from education to employment is essential to unlocking the potential of young people. Through Youth Empowered, we are equipping young Nigerians with practical skills, workplace exposure, and professional networks that enhance their employability and prepare them to thrive in today’s evolving world of work.”
She further highlighted the success of the first internship cohort, noting that the transition of three participants into permanent roles demonstrates the programme’s ability to create tangible career opportunities.
“The success of our first internship cohort demonstrates the transformative impact of meaningful workplace experience. We are particularly encouraged that three members of the pioneer cohort have progressed into full-time roles within our business, validating the programme’s ability to create tangible career opportunities. We are excited to welcome this new cohort and look forward to supporting their growth and development over the next six months.”
For the participants, the internship offers a valuable platform to apply academic knowledge, gain industry exposure, and accelerate professional growth.
Expressing her excitement, one of the 2026 interns, Chirah Sylvia, described the opportunity as a significant milestone in her career journey.
“Being selected for this internship is both an honour and an exciting opportunity. I am eager to learn from experienced professionals, gain practical industry exposure, and develop skills that will help me build a successful career. I believe this experience will challenge me, broaden my perspective, and prepare me for the future.”
As NBC continues to invest in youth development, the Youth Empowered Internship Programme remains a vital platform for nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals and future leaders in Nigeria.
