NBC, CCNL targets capacity development for student Journalists
As part of its strategic drive to boost human capital development among students in tertiary institutions around the country, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) and its franchise partner, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited (CCNL) recently hosted 50 students from different tertiary institutions across the country to a two day workshop at the 13th edition of the biannual Campus Life workshop held in Lagos.
The workshop themed, towards a sustainable community was organised for student journalists who are also campus correspondents in their respective higher institutions of learning to be train by experts on the ethic of the job to boost their proficiency.
Emeka Mba, Community Affairs Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, while speaking on the impact of the workshop said the company is aware of the potential that resides in the youth and this initiative is one of the cardinal programmes of the Coca-Cola system of corporate social investments in Nigeria.
According to him, “For us as an organisation, there is a direct synergy and connect between the long term well being and the community where we operate and our business, to a large extent, the country would be having less incidence of youth restiveness if they all redirect their emotional and intellectual energy towards constructive dialogue which is what this workshop aims to achieve.
Mba pointed out that by merely putting pen on paper, discussing ideas on how to move Nigeria forward, young writer who in their own right are opinion molders, can through this platform be able to conscientise and orientate their academic communities where they are schooling.
He further disclosed that only the strategic support and collaboration through partnership between business, civil organisation and government can help build the future of Nigeria through this present young generation.
“There must be a commitment from the civil organisation, business and government for us to be able to fortify such vision”. He said.
Mba added that NBC and CCNL are happy to be involved in initiatives that serve to empower the youth and point them in the right direction towards becoming change agents in their community.
“So if the youth are able to impact positively through the power of writing even within their small environment of that community, when members of that community take that message and act on them, then change would come’ he said.
Bisi Aweda, assistant communication manager, Nigeria Bottling Company on her part revealed that to a large extent, aside from the financial involvement of NBC/ Coca-Cola, the number of lives that have being impacted through this workshop since inception in 2007 is very encouraging.
“Through this programme, the company have being able to bring Nigerian students who have a passion for journalism and train them on the ethics of the job”. She added.
At the workshop, Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, Country director, Youth Empowerment Foundation while addressing the students on the topic ‘Rethinking Active Lifestyle’ enjoined them to build capacity by engaging in entrepreneurship activities even while they are still in school.
Akin-Jimoh urged them to be the change they want to see in the society stressing that they don’t need to wait for the government.
“Invest your time, try and create your own track record, above all networking is the key to growing any business, try and meet people because this is the bedrock for building a last business relationship” she said.
KELECHI EWUZIE