The Enugu State Government has commended the management of the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) for its commitment to social-economic well-being of the nation, especially where it relates to the area of youth empowerment aimed at reducing high unemployment rate in the country.

The Governor of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi made the assertion while delivering the opening remarks at the three-day NBC Youth Empowered Workshop in Enugu.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, expressed delight in the youth empowerment scheme which he said would complement the government’s effort towards tackling the challenges of unemployment and underemployment among youths in the state.

She further said that the initiative is another laudable effort by the private sector to support the state government in achieving its target for youth development and empowerment.

“We are particularly pleased to learn that by 2020 this initiative would have supported over 100,000 young unemployed persons between the ages of 18-30 years to build life skills, business skills and long-lasting networks to facilitate their transition to employment” she said.

She urged other concerned corporate entities to emulate NBC’s example and make their own contribution towards alleviating youth unemployment.

Also speaking at the workshop, Country CSR Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Mr Ekuma Eze, described the company’s investment in the Youth Empowered Scheme as a further demonstration of its faith in the youth of Nigeria. He added that the initiative was designed to empower Nigerian youths to realize their full potential.