NBC and FATE Foundation Host Youth Empowered Initiative at FUTA

As part of its commitment to youth development, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), in collaboration with FATE Foundation, held the Youth Empowered Programme at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in February 2026.

The initiative aims to equip students with skills, mindset, and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment, focusing on career readiness, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Opportunities and Support for Students
The Head of External Communications at NBC, Samuel Iboroma, encouraged students to actively engage with the programme. He noted that ten interns from previous editions of the initiative are now gainfully employed with NBC. He highlighted opportunities such as internships, entrepreneurship grants, and master classes, including a culinary master class where participants receive ₦1 million each to start their businesses. Iboroma urged attendees to leverage the programme as a platform to connect with professionals, gain practical skills, and access meaningful opportunities.

NBC’s Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Specialist, Eriife Oluwabanjo, explained that the company’s 2026 mission prioritizes sustainable growth aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on emissions reduction, water use, packaging, nutrition, and community development. She emphasized that youths, who constitute 70% of Nigeria’s population, are empowered through the programme via trainings, internships, and grants, providing pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

Skill Development and Personal Growth
During the event, Oluwaseyi Simeon, Senior Program Coordinator at LEAP Africa, highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience in managing transitions, overcoming challenges, and improving mental health. He encouraged participants to embrace change, develop problem-solving skills, set SMART goals, and transform failures into opportunities.

Financial Literacy and Career Readiness
Morounke Ilori, Branch Manager of Zenith Bank PLC, delivered insights on financial literacy, emphasizing budgeting, responsible spending, and saving. She explained the 50-30-20 rule: 50% for essentials, 30% for discretionary spending, and 20% for savings or investments, highlighting its role in financial stability and personal growth.

NBC’s Vision and Global Exposure
Representing NBC’s People and Culture team, Emmanuel Ehirim shared the company’s vision to be the preferred beverage partner, showcasing brands like Coca-Cola and Fanta. He introduced opportunities such as the Naija Coke Summership, a three-month internship for 300-level students, and the International Leadership Training Program (ILTP), offering global experience, mentorship, and cross-cultural collaboration for aspiring leaders.

Student Pitch Competition
As part of the programme, students from FUTA and the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) pitched innovative business ideas. The winners included:

• Daniel Damilare (100-level Library & Information Science, FUTA) – Grand Prize ₦100,000 for a mobile phone repair venture.
• Goodness (Kuli Gold) (100-level Biotechnology, FUTA) – First Runner-up for a groundnut cake business.
• Adora Obehi (200-level Software Engineering, FUTA) – Second Runner-up for a skincare business.

The initiative underscores NBC’s and FATE Foundation’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth, fostering entrepreneurship, and equipping students with the practical skills and networks necessary for career success.