Nigerian Breweries, ITF Collaborate to Train 1,000 Youth, Women

Amidst the global efforts to combat gender-based violence, early marriages, and forced unions, numerous organisations and non-governmental entities have taken proactive measures to create avenues for the advancement of women, particularly focusing on skill development to pave the way for a promising future. Nigerian Breweries Plc has emerged as a significant player in this endeavour, aligning itself with the Industrial Trust Fund (ITF) to spearhead a programme that has empowered 1,000 youth and women across the country with skills development in line with its commitment to socio-economic development across communities in Nigeria.

This empowerment initiative reached beneficiaries hailing from 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory, encompassing a diverse array of skill sets such as solar panel installations, tailoring, leatherwork, hairdressing, phone repair, cap and wig making, and electrical installation.

The significance of this initiative was highlighted during the graduation ceremony held in Lagos, where the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi, delivered a heartfelt message. He stated that beyond the individual training provided, the initiative has laid a robust foundation for cultivating a more skilled and competitive workforce, contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of communities.

Commending the participants for their dedication, Essaadi encouraged them to persist in their pursuit of knowledge and to confront new challenges. He emphasised that “the skills and equipment acquired during this programme are not just tools for the present but valuable assets for a lifetime.”

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Ogun, echoed the importance of the partnership between ITF and Nigerian Breweries Plc. He highlighted it as a key element of the ITF’s broader efforts to support the growth and development of skills training, making impactful interventions across various sectors of the economy. Ogun affirmed the agency’s commitment to exploring additional partnership opportunities with organisations, aligning with the federal government’s policies and programs. He urged the beneficiaries to leverage their newly acquired skills and start-up packs for self-sufficiency and wealth creation, underscoring their potential contribution to national development.