Diageo Nigeria Champions Inclusive Hospitality Training with Lagos State, Targets 250 Youth, Women, and PwDs
In a bold move to reshape the future of hospitality in Nigeria, Diageo Nigeria, in partnership with Celebr-8 Lyfe and the Lagos State Government, has launched a transformative youth empowerment initiative under its flagship Learning for Life (L4L) programme. The programme is poised to equip 250 Nigerian youths, particularly women and People with Disabilities (PwDs), with critical hospitality and tourism industry skills designed to unlock new employment and entrepreneurial pathways.
The scheme, formally launched in Lagos with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Diageo Nigeria, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and key stakeholders, signals a deepening of public-private partnerships focused on workforce development and social inclusion.
Transforming Talent into Opportunity: A New Era for Nigerian Hospitality
Mr. Adebayo Alli, General Manager of Diageo Nigeria, emphasized the programme’s impact:
“We’re not just building careers in hospitality; we’re igniting a chain of empowerment that reaches families, communities, and the broader Nigerian economy.”
According to Alli, 60% of the selected participants will be young women, with 10% reserved for Persons with Disabilities, underlining Diageo’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and gender equity. This is the first Nigerian rollout of the Learning for Life initiative, which has already proven successful in other emerging markets globally.
The 2025 edition goes beyond classroom instruction. It blends in-person and online learning, followed by 11 weeks of internship placements in some of Lagos’ top hospitality establishments – from hotels and lounges to restaurants, bars, and airport concessionaires.
Government Backing for Youth Empowerment and Inclusive Growth
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, praised the initiative as a template for impactful private-sector-led development.
“With youth comprising over 60% of our population, this programme tackles unemployment with purpose. We’re pleased to match Diageo’s efforts by sponsoring an additional 250 youths to participate,” the Governor announced.
This support from Lagos State Government amplifies the programme’s reach and reflects its alignment with state-wide policies for skills development and employment creation in high-growth sectors like tourism and hospitality.
Skills that Matter: Practical Training for Real-World Impact
The L4L curriculum integrates modules in:
- Hospitality business operations
- Bartending and bar management
- Customer service and teamwork
- Financial literacy and budgeting
- Leadership and confidence building
It also incorporates social impact training on gender equality, disability awareness, responsible drinking, and sexual harassment prevention, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but also responsible workplace contributors.
Graduates will be supported via the Diageo Bar Academy platform, receive transportation stipends, and enjoy career mentorship. High-performing participants stand a strong chance of full-time employment offers post-internship.
Application Details & Timelines
Applications are open from July 14 to July 28, 2025.
- In-person training begins: August 11
- Internships run: September 1 – November 17
- Job placement period begins: Mid-November
Apply via: http://bit.ly/3G6557V
Programme Details: www.diageobaracademy.com
BRANDECONOMY ANALYSIS: Why This Matters
Diageo’s move is both timely and strategic, as Nigeria’s hospitality sector is rebounding post-pandemic and offers substantial job creation potential, especially for urban youths. The initiative supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Decent Work, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.
By integrating business education, hands-on experience, and social responsibility, Diageo is setting a benchmark for corporate citizenship in the Nigerian hospitality ecosystem. With Lagos State as a willing partner, this model could be replicated nationwide, positioning Nigeria as a hub for skilled hospitality professionals in West Africa.
Bottom Line:
This isn’t just CSR. It’s smart, sustainable business strategy with far-reaching impact. Diageo is building a pipeline of trained hospitality talent—and in doing so, reshaping the industry’s future in Nigeria.
