Nigerian Breweries partners FATE Foundation to train 1,000 Student Entrepreneurs

Nigerian Breweries Plc has deepened its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development by partnering with FATE Foundation to empower 1,000 additional students under the Orange Corners Student Ambassadors Programme across Lagos, Ogun and Enugu states.

The initiative, which is part of the Orange Corners Nigeria Programme supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is designed to promote entrepreneurship within Nigerian tertiary institutions by exposing students to business skills, mentorship and networking opportunities.

Under the partnership, Nigerian Breweries will fund the expansion of the programme, while FATE Foundation will oversee its implementation, including student mobilisation, programme coordination and delivery. The beneficiaries will be students aged 18 to 35 currently enrolled in tertiary institutions in the three states.

Speaking on the collaboration, Uzodinma Odenigbo, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, said the initiative aligns with the company’s long-standing focus on youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

“This partnership reinforces Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders in Nigeria,” Odenigbo said.

“Through initiatives like this, we are creating pathways that enable young people to see entrepreneurship as a viable and rewarding career option.”

He noted that the company’s renewed focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship has already impacted 2,365 young Nigerians across 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory, underscoring Nigerian Breweries’ expanding footprint in human capital development.

The Orange Corners Student Ambassadors Programme selects student ambassadors from participating universities to inspire their peers, stimulate innovation and strengthen entrepreneurial culture on campuses through peer-led engagement and structured training.

Also speaking, Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of FATE Foundation, described the partnership as a continuation of a productive relationship with Nigerian Breweries and a boost to the reach of the Orange Corners initiative.

“Nigerian Breweries has been a longstanding supporter of Orange Corners Nigeria. We are pleased that this renewed commitment will extend the programme to an additional 1,000 young Nigerians using the proven Student Ambassadors framework,” she said.

Adeyemi explained that FATE Foundation will be responsible for designing and delivering the training curriculum, managing student registration and participation, maintaining beneficiary records, and coordinating all logistical and technical aspects of the programme.

The partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria, equipping students with practical skills, networks and opportunities to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.