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  • Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), through #YouthEmpowered, its flagship youth empowerment initiative, has just launched the Youth Empowered Podcast — a fresh platform designed to inspire young Nigerians and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

    Kicking off with an energetic conversation, the podcast featured two dynamic entrepreneurs — Ferdinand Adimefe, Founder & CEO of Magic Carpet Studios, and Abayomi Ogunjobi, Co-Founder of PennyTree — who shared the highs, lows, and lessons from their entrepreneurial journeys. With stories spanning the worlds of animation, technology, and finance, the session served up practical advice in a way that was both relatable and inspiring.

    From Dreams to Reality

    The Youth Empowered Podcast promises to be as engaging and enlightening as it is fun. It spotlights young leaders and innovators who are shaping the future. From turning passion projects into businesses to finding creative ways around challenges, the conversations are tailored to spark ideas and confidence in listeners.

    Ferdinand shared how Magic Carpet Studios grew into one of Africa’s leading animation and storytelling companies, producing work for global platforms while training the next generation of African animators. Abayomi, meanwhile, unpacked how PennyTree is helping everyday Nigerians and small businesses gain access to smarter financial solutions, bridging the gap between traditional banks and underserved communities.

    The Hustle is Real

    During the podcast, host Dara Oluwatoye highlighted why conversations like this matter. “Entrepreneurship is not always glamorous. It takes grit, sacrifice, and a willingness to learn. But when young people hear these stories, they see what is possible and are inspired to dream bigger,” she said.

    Ferdinand, reflecting on his journey, spoke about the importance of resilience: “Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Protect the dream but also protect the dreamer. Your personal well-being is just as critical as the business you are building,” he advised.

    For Abayomi, the key is flexibility: “Don’t be too emotional about your idea. If it isn’t working, pivot. Stay resilient, surround yourself with the right people, and keep moving forward,” he said.

    Words to Live By

    With lively conversations, honest storytelling, and lessons you can use right away, the Youth Empowered Podcast is set to become a go-to resource for young Nigerians eager to build, grow, and thrive. Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Also, follow us across social media platforms on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X, and Nigerian Bottling Company on Instagram.

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  • Lagos, Nigeria – February 3, 2025– The Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), a member of Coca-Cola HBC (CCHBC) and the authorized bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria, recently hosted a special edition of its flagship #YouthEmpowered program in Lagos. The event provided young Nigerians with an exclusive opportunity to engage with top executives from Coca-Cola HBC and The Coca-Cola Company, gaining invaluable leadership insights to shape their careers.

    With the theme “Shaping the Future: It is Possible! A Dialogue with Young Leaders,” the event seamlessly aligned with the Coca-Cola system’s sustainability agenda of empowering people and communities. A key highlight was an engaging discussion session, moderated by Adenike Adeyemi, CEO of Fate Foundation, featuring insights from global business leaders, including Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC, and Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit. The panel also included senior executives from NBC, including Jolomi Fawehinmi, People & Culture Director, and Dayo Adefulu, Trade Marketing Director, alongside two inspiring #YouthEmpowered alumni: Chinenye Adeleye, Founder of Volunteers Hub Africa, and Afeez Iyiola, Founder of Coachfrika.

    Speaking at the event, Oluwasoromidayo George, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at NBC, emphasized the importance of adaptability, resilience, and a proactive mindset in today’s fast-evolving world.

    “In this era of AI and digital transformation, the world is evolving faster than ever. To thrive, young people must be adaptable, curious, and embrace challenges as opportunities. By cultivating a ‘can-do’ spirit and leveraging the skills gained today, they can confidently shape their future.”

    She further highlighted that the #YouthEmpowered program is designed to equip young people between the ages of 16 and 35 with essential life skills to succeed in the corporate world or as entrepreneurs. As part of the initiative, 11 outstanding participants recently secured internships at NBC, with three receiving their internship letters directly from Goran Sladic, Managing Director of NBC, during the event.

    Additionally, young entrepreneurs from the program participated in an intensive five-day Culinary Masterclass at Wavecrest College of Hospitality, where three participants—Onanuga Moyosore, Julius Olamilekan, and Akinola Victoria—were each awarded ₦1 million business grants to support their entrepreneurial ventures. The awards were presented by Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC; Luisa Ortega, President of Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit; and Naya Kalogeraki, Chief Operating Officer of CCHBC.

    Through initiatives like #YouthEmpowered, NBC continues to invest in the next generation—equipping young Nigerians with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to create lasting change.

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