Nigerian Bottling Company Limited Partners RISE Network On Youth Development

By BOLAJI ABIMBOLA

As part of its commitment to youth empowerment and development which is one of the main thrusts of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), non-alcoholic beverage giant, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, (NBC), recently partnered with RISE Networks- Nigeria’s leading social enterprise, in the commemoration of the 2016 United Nations International Youth Day.

The event, themed – The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Production and Consumption, which took place at the University of Lagos, Akoka, was well attended by motivational speakers, Captains of Industry and other well-known personalities including the Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Kunle Afolayan, Ace Film Producer and Director, Audu Maikori, President Chocolate City, Nkemdilim Begho, Founder and Managing Director, Future Software Resources Limited amongst others.

Speaking at the event, the Director, Legal, Public Affairs and Communication, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Mrs. Sade Morgan explained that the partnership with RISE Network in the celebration of the 2016 International Youth Day is an affirmation of the company’s unflinching commitment to youth empowerment.

“The future of every nation depends largely on the quality of its youth, therefore there is need for a deliberate and concerted effort to develop and empower them to play their critical role in nation building and development. Nigerian Bottling Company is committed to youth empowerment as a key focus of our CSR” she said.

“NBC youth development and empowerment programme cuts across various categories from nursery/primary; secondary; university/post-graduation, as well as vocational and entrepreneurship training. She stated that this programme have benefited over 10,000 young Nigerians and 100,000 other, indirectly over the last five years,” Morgan revealed.

Also speaking at the event, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, and Chairman of the occasion, Chief. Emeka Anyaoku commended the effort and commitment of NBC and RISE Network to the development of the Nigerian youths and called for more collaborations as this area for a greater and better Nigeria.

“We cannot undermine the impact of the youth in taking our dear nation to the height we desire. This would only happen with collaborations like this happening regularly to birth in our youths the spirit of entrepreneurship and skill development,” He said.

In his remarks, Mr. Olakunle Soriyan, who represented the CEO, RISE Networks, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, commended NBC and other partners for making the event a huge success.