By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment with the graduation of 69 trainees from the 27th edition of its Supply Chain Academy in Lagos.
The ceremony, held at NBC’s Ikeja Plant, brought together key figures from government, business, and the community. Among the dignitaries were the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde; and the Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Adebanjo Moyosore. They commended NBC for equipping young Nigerians with technical and leadership skills relevant for today’s fast-changing world.
Established in 1996 as the Technical Training Centre, the Academy has trained over 1,400 young Nigerians. Many graduates have secured employment at NBC, with some rising to senior leadership roles, including Plant Manager. Each year, the program recruits OND graduates from polytechnics across the country, providing them with technical expertise, leadership development, and hands-on experience on production lines. Beyond this, more than 1,100 NBC employees benefit annually from tailored programs at the Academy.
NBC’s Managing Director, Goran Sladic, congratulated the graduates and emphasized the company’s long-standing investment in people and skills development.
“Our investments in people, technology, and infrastructure are not just about growing our business, but about empowering people and building stronger communities,” he said.
Delivering the valedictory speech, Anosike Miracle urged his fellow graduates to embrace passion and perseverance as they begin their careers.
“Success is not always about being number one; it’s about passion, consistency, and staying true to who we are,” he said.
As the 69 graduates walked away with their certificates, they carried with them not just technical knowledge, but also the discipline and vision to become innovators and leaders in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
