300 young Nigerians have successfully completed the Learning for Life (L4L) hospitality and tourism training programme, organised by Diageo Nigeria in collaboration with Celebr-8 Lyfe and various Lagos State agencies. The graduation ceremony took place in Lagos, drawing significant media attention.
Programme Exceeds Initial Target
Launched in September 2025, the initiative was originally designed to train 250 participants. However, due to overwhelming demand, over 300 youths were enrolled. The programme provided structured training in hospitality operations, customer service, workplace readiness, mentorship, and employability support, all aimed at improving access to jobs in Nigeria’s service sector.
Employment Pathways Created
Beyond training, the initiative created direct employment pathways, with more than 150 participants securing internship placements across the Lagos hospitality sector. Some have already transitioned into full-time roles.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adebayo Alli, General Manager of Diageo West and Central Africa, highlighted the impact of cross-sector collaboration in addressing youth unemployment. He stated: “Learning for Life reflects our belief that skills development is one of the most sustainable pathways to economic empowerment.”
Government and Partner Praise
Mobolaji Ogunlende, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, commended Diageo Nigeria for providing opportunities and hope to young Nigerians. He said: “Diageo’s commitment to training young Nigerians is deliberate, long-term, and rooted in the desire to create meaningful opportunities for young people to grow, thrive, and contribute to the future of the hospitality industry and the economy as a whole.”
Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), praised the programme’s focus on employability and inclusion. She noted: “Initiatives like Learning for Life are important in creating access and reducing barriers to opportunity for young Nigerians. The programme’s emphasis on practical training, inclusion, and employment pathways aligns strongly with our broader commitment to youth development and economic inclusion across Lagos State.”
Shobhit Jindal, General Manager of Celebr-8 Lyfe, emphasised the importance of partnerships. He said: “The success of this initiative demonstrates what is possible when organisations come together with a shared purpose. Through strong collaboration between Diageo, Celebr-8 Lyfe, The Ministry of Employment and Wealth Creation, and LSETF, we were able to move beyond intention and deliver practical opportunities that are already transforming lives and creating long-term career pathways for young people.”
Inclusive Design
Godfrey Adejumoh, Head of Corporate Relations at Diageo West and Central Africa, explained that the initiative was intentionally designed to support inclusive participation, creating opportunities for women and persons with disabilities who are often underrepresented in the formal economy. He stated: “By combining technical training with practical workplace exposure, Learning for Life ensures participants are equipped with both industry-relevant skills and the confidence required to succeed professionally.”
