Diageo Nigeria, in partnership with Celebr-8 Lyfe, has officially launched the first Nigerian edition of its flagship Learning for Life (L4L) programme, aimed at empowering 250 underrepresented and unemployed youths with practical skills and career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos, forms part of Diageo’s global Society 2030: Spirit of Progress sustainability agenda, and reflects the company’s commitment to fostering economic inclusion and workforce readiness among young people, particularly women and persons with disabilities.
“This programme is about more than just skills development—it’s about unlocking potential and transforming lives,” said Adebayo Alli, General Manager, Diageo Nigeria. “By equipping young Nigerians with tools to succeed, we’re also strengthening families, communities, and the broader economy.”
Commercial Director, Ujunwa Chukwumah, highlighted the programme’s unique blend of classroom training, online coursework, and real-world internships at leading hospitality establishments across Lagos.
“Learning for Life is a catalyst for long-term change. Our goal is to empower participants, especially young women, to enter the workforce with confidence and purpose,” Chukwumah said.
The L4L programme features a wide-ranging curriculum that covers key hospitality and life skills, including:
- Hospitality Business Essentials
- Communication & Teamwork
- Bar Skills and Responsible Serving
- Budgeting, CV Writing, and Interview Prep
- Gender, Disability & Inclusion Awareness
- Positive Drinking Practices
- Dealing with Sexual Harassment
Following an initial week of hybrid (online and in-person) learning, participants will begin an 11-week paid internship at select hotels, lounges, restaurants, and airport facilities. Exceptional performers may be offered full-time roles after the programme concludes in mid-November. All participants will receive transport stipends and continued mentorship through the Diageo Bar Academy.
Shobhit Jindal, General Manager of Celebr-8 Lyfe, emphasized the importance of practical and inclusive youth development.
He said; “We are proud to collaborate with Diageo Nigeria on this transformative initiative. Together, we’re not just building careers—we’re inspiring a generation to lead and innovate within the hospitality sector”
The Nigerian rollout follows successful implementations of the programme in Angola and Ethiopia, where over 200 youths have graduated, with more than 50% securing employment before completing the programme. Diageo also recently signed an MoU with the Cameroonian Ministry of Tourism to launch the country’s first L4L cohort.
The programme targets Nigerian youths aged 18–27, with a focus on women and Persons With Disabilities (PWD). Applicants must reside in Lagos or be available to stay in Lagos throughout the duration of the programme.
The success of Diageo Learning for Life (L4L) in Nigeria is underpinned by strong partnerships with our Partner Celebr-8 Lyfe, Government Ministries (Tourism, Education, Employment, Youth and Women Affairs), Tertiary Institutions (University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State Polytechnic) and Private Sector collaborators.
Applications for the first cohort open on July 14th 2025, and close on July 28th 2025, with in-person training set to kick-off on August 11th. Internships will run from September 1st to November 17th 2025, with job offers for top performers following in mid-November.
Interested candidates can apply at http://bit.ly/3G6557V and visit the Diageo Bar Academy website at www.diageobaracademy.com for more information about the Programme.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in alcoholic beverages, with iconic brands such as Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Baileys, Cîroc, and Smirnoff. Through initiatives like Learning for Life, Diageo continues to drive inclusion, economic growth, and social impact across Africa and beyond.