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Tag: DIAGEO Nigeria

  • Diageo Nigeria to empower 250 youths with life skills, jobs

    Diageo Nigeria to empower 250 youths with life skills, jobs

    Diageo Nigeria and partner, Celebr-8 Lyfe, have officially launched the 2025 edition of their flagship Diageo Learning for Life (L4L) programme in Lagos, marking the first rollout of the transformative initiative in Nigeria.

    The programme is designed to equip 250 unemployed and underrepresented youths with the practical skills, experience, and potential job opportunities they need to thrive in the hospitality and tourism industry.

    Speaking on the initiative, Adebayo Alli – General Manager for Diageo, 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,” Alli stated.

    The Commercial Director for Diageo, Ujunwa Chukwumah, in a statement, also 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.

    Shobhit Jindal, General Manager, Celebr-8 Lyfe, also shared his enthusiasm about the partnership and impact of the programme.

    “At Celebr-8 Lyfe, we believe that youth empowerment must be practical, inclusive, and sustainable. Through this collaboration with Diageo Nigeria, we are not just training young people, we are preparing them to lead, thrive, and transform the hospitality industry from within. We are proud to be part of a programme that aligns so deeply with our values of purpose-driven engagement and social impact.”

    The comprehensive curriculum of Learning for Life (L4L) covers modules including hospitality business essentials, communication and teamwork, bar skills and responsible serving, confidence building, budgeting, CV writing, and workplace readiness.

    The programme also addresses critical social topics such as gender, disability and inclusion awareness, dealing with sexual harassment, and positive drinking practices.

    Following the one-week classroom and online training phases, participants will embark on an 11-week internship in reputable hospitality businesses across Lagos, such as hotels, bars, restaurants, lounges and airports.

    Those who perform exceptionally will be offered full-time employment at the end of the programme.

    In addition, all trainees will receive transportation stipends and continued career support through the Diageo Bar Academy platform.

    The launch in Nigeria follows a successful year for the L4L programme in Diageo’s West and Central Africa region, where over 200 youths have graduated across Angola and Ethiopia, with more than 50% securing permanent employment before their graduation date.

    Additionally, Diageo recently signed an MoU with the Ministry of Tourism in Cameroon to roll out the country’s first L4L cohort, set to empower 50 youths with industry-ready hospitality skills.

    Targeted at young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 27 years, especially women and persons with disabilities (PWD), the programme reflects Diageo’s commitment to inclusion and sustainable development.

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    Applicants of the first cohort must be Lagos residents or able to stay in Lagos for the duration of the programme.

    The success of Diageo Learning for Life (L4L) in Nigeria is underpinned by strong partnerships with our Partner Celebr-8 Lyfe, government ministries (Tourism, Education, Employment, Youth and Women Affairs), tertiary institutions (University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic) and private sector collaborators.

    Applications for the first cohort open on July 14th 2025, and close on July 28th 2025, with in-person training set to kick-off on August 11th.

    Internships will run from September 1st to November 17th 2025, with job offers for top performers following in mid-November.

    Interested candidates can apply at http://bit.ly/3G6557V and visit the Diageo Bar Academy website at www.diageobaracademy.com for more information about the programme.

  • DIAGEO Nigeria kicks off sixth edition of World class bartender competition

    DIAGEO Nigeria kicks off sixth edition of World class bartender competition

    DIAGEO Nigeria has officially kicked off the sixth edition of its prestigious World Class Bartender Competition, a global event that celebrates the art of mixology and helps bartenders grow professionally and creatively.

    The competition, which started globally in 2009, is not just about winning a trophy, it’s also a learning platform where bartenders receive expert mentorship and training. 

    In Nigeria, auditions will hold in three major cities: Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

    Speaking at the launch event, DIAGEO’s expert mixologist and cocktailian, Robert Baboyan, described the program as a transformational journey for bartenders.

    “World Class is not just about competition; it is an educational and mentorship platform. It inspires bartenders to push boundaries and perfect their craft,” Baboyan said.

    The competition is structured in three stages. First, bartenders enter by posting videos using a dedicated hashtag. Then, selected participants are invited to studio sessions where they receive hands-on training in advanced mixology, premium ingredients, and the use of top global brands like Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, and The Singleton.

    After training, contestants return to their respective cities to develop original cocktail recipes. These recipes are then judged in regional rounds, and the top performers move on to the national finals. 

    The overall winner will represent Nigeria at the global finals in Toronto, Canada.

    DIAGEO Nigeria Brand Ambassador, Modo, shared stories of how the competition has changed lives.

    “Every winner has elevated their career significantly after participating in World Class. They not only develop their skills but also gain global exposure,” he said.

    He cited the 2022 winner, who moved from Nigeria to Dubai and now works in Canada, as an example of the life-changing potential of the platform.

    Sylvester also highlighted how the competition promotes creativity by encouraging bartenders to experiment with local ingredients and tailor recipes to suit Nigerian tastes.

    “We want to break down the mindset that drinking spirits is complicated,” he added. “You deserve to enjoy luxurious drinks in your everyday life. It’s about educating people on how to appreciate quality spirits and cocktails beyond the traditional ways they’ve known.”

    DIAGEO’s Commercial Director, Ujunwa Chukwumah, emphasized the importance of innovation rooted in local culture.

    “Nigerians are adventurous and eager to try new things. Whether it’s through travel or social media, we embrace innovation,” she said.

    According to her, contestants are encouraged to use indigenous herbs, spices, and traditional drinks to create unique cocktails that could place Nigeria on the global cocktail map—just as Mexico is known for tequila and Scotland for whisky.

    “We envision a future where Nigeria is recognized globally for its unique cocktail ingredients. It’s about building an industry that can export homegrown flavours to the world,” she added.

    One standout story from the event was that of Dolapo, a former waiter who became a successful entrepreneur after enrolling in DIAGEO’s bartending academy. After completing a three-month intensive training program, she emerged as the top student and now runs a thriving mobile bar service.

    “For Diageo, it’s about more than just selling spirits; it’s about transforming lives,” said Sylvester. “By investing in bartenders and upskilling them, we are not only changing perceptions but also creating sustainable livelihoods.”

    DIAGEO’s Learning for Life program is another initiative aimed at tackling unemployment by providing formal training to individuals working in bars, restaurants, or currently unemployed. 

    The program trains over 2,400 people annually, creating a ripple effect across the hospitality industry.

    “We recognize that we can’t fix all the problems at once, but it’s a journey,” said Sylvester. “By training thousands each year, we’re building a stronger and more professional service industry.”

    The 2025 edition is now underway, and Nigeria’s most talented bartenders are preparing to compete for the title of World Class Bartender of the Year. But for many, the real prize is the experience, exposure, and opportunities that come from being part of the program.

    With strong backing from DIAGEO, this year’s competition promises to raise the bar even higher, literally and figuratively, while nurturing the next generation of world-class bartenders.