Nigerian Bottling Company, a member of the Coca-Cola HBC Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and hospitality industry growth through its active participation as headline sponsor of the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) 2026 held in Abuja.
The company, alongside Schweppes, co-sponsored the Bartender Academy, a specialised talent development initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians and emerging hospitality professionals with practical industry knowledge, entrepreneurial capabilities and hands-on experience required to succeed in the fast-growing hospitality and tourism sector.
The initiative formed one of the major highlights of the annual IHTEF conference, which brought together key players in tourism, hospitality, sustainability, food and beverage services, travel and entrepreneurship from across Nigeria and beyond.
Participants at the two-day academy underwent intensive practical sessions covering modern mixology techniques, bar presentation, customer relations, hospitality ethics, beverage innovation and small business management.
The programme also focused on improving professionalism within Nigeria’s hospitality sector by exposing trainees to global best practices and emerging trends shaping the modern food and beverage industry.
Organisers explained that the academy was designed not only to train bartenders, but also to nurture future entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.
Young participants from different parts of the country were provided with direct mentorship opportunities from experienced hospitality professionals, mixologists and business experts who shared practical insights into building sustainable careers within the industry.
Industry stakeholders at the event noted that the hospitality and tourism sector remains one of the country’s largest untapped sources of employment and economic development, particularly for young people seeking alternative career paths outside the traditional white-collar system.
Representatives of NBC said the company’s involvement in the programme aligns with its broader commitment to youth development, economic inclusion and community empowerment through sustainable partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.
According to the company, investing in skills development remains critical to addressing unemployment challenges and supporting the emergence of a more competitive hospitality workforce in Nigeria.
The training sessions featured demonstrations on beverage preparation, cocktail innovation, customer engagement strategies and responsible service practices, while participants also learned the fundamentals of branding, networking and entrepreneurship within the hospitality ecosystem.
Attendees described the experience as transformative, saying the academy offered them rare exposure to industry-standard training and professional guidance that could help shape their future careers.
Several participants expressed optimism that the skills acquired during the programme would open doors to employment opportunities in hotels, lounges, restaurants, tourism establishments and event management businesses across the country.
Hospitality professionals at the forum also commended NBC and Schweppes for supporting initiatives capable of strengthening human capital development within the industry.
They noted that beyond technical training, the programme encouraged creativity, confidence, discipline and innovation among participants, qualities considered essential for long-term success in the hospitality business.
The International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum has continued to gain recognition as one of the leading platforms promoting sustainable tourism development, environmental consciousness and professional advancement within Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
This year’s edition placed strong emphasis on youth inclusion, sustainability and the need for stronger collaboration between private sector organisations, government institutions and industry operators.
Stakeholders at the forum stressed that empowering young people with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills could significantly reduce unemployment while contributing to national economic growth.
They also highlighted the importance of creating platforms where young talents can interact directly with established professionals and gain real-world exposure to industry expectations.
NBC’s participation further reflects the growing role of corporate organisations in supporting workforce development and industry sustainability through strategic investments in training and mentorship programmes.
Observers noted that such initiatives have become increasingly important as Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors continue to expand amid rising demand for skilled professionals capable of delivering world-class services.
The forum concluded with networking sessions, practical evaluations and recognition of outstanding participants who demonstrated exceptional creativity and professionalism during the academy.
Organisers expressed confidence that many of the trainees would go on to become successful entrepreneurs, hospitality managers and industry innovators capable of transforming the sector in the coming years.
For many attendees, the programme represented more than just a training exercise; it served as a platform for inspiration, opportunity and hope for a brighter professional future within Nigeria’s evolving hospitality industry.
