In a major move to boost youth empowerment and job creation, the Lagos State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with Diageo Nigeria to train more than 250 young people in hospitality, entrepreneurship, bartending and retail.
The initiative, launched on Monday, July 14, 2025, on the 11th floor of The Wings Tower on Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos, is part of Diageo’s global Learning for Life (L4L) programme. The programme aims to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills and enhance their employability in high-demand sectors within Lagos’ growing tourism and service economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the official launch was the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe. He lauded Diageo Nigeria for selecting Lagos as a beneficiary of the impactful initiative, describing the Learning for Life programme as “a bold step toward sustainable youth development.”
Hon. Ajigbotafe highlighted the programme’s alignment with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ Agenda—specifically its focus on education, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. He stressed the importance of such collaborations in addressing youth unemployment and fostering long-term economic resilience.
“This partnership between Diageo Nigeria and the Lagos State Government is a shining example of how public-private collaboration can drive meaningful change. It reflects our shared vision for a Lagos where young people have access to the tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market,” he stated.
The Learning for Life initiative not only provides training but also offers a pathway to employment or entrepreneurial ventures, ensuring participants are equipped to make tangible contributions to the economy. Through this programme, the State Government reinforces its commitment to building a skilled workforce that can sustain Lagos’ economic growth and global competitiveness.
The launch event was attended by top executives from Diageo Nigeria, industry stakeholders, government officials, and beneficiaries of the programme, who expressed optimism about the life-changing opportunities the initiative promises.
