Joseph Bakare
The UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria has entered a landmark partnership with
Continental Hotels Group, operators of Lagos Continental and Abuja Continental, to create structured pathways for young Nigerians into the hospitality and tourism industry.
The partnership is designed to close critical skills gaps while advancing inclusive economic opportunities for youth, with a strong focus on empowering young women who remain underrepresented in the sector.
Participants will benefit from a program that blends practical training, mentorship, and certification at Continental Hotels’ Hospitality Academy.
The curriculum emphasizes workplace readiness, covering customer service, operations, sustainability, and leadership development to ensure graduates are equipped for immediate employment and long-term career growth.
Unveiling the partnership Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, said the collaboration aligns with the group’s vision of making Nigeria a leading hospitality hub on the continent.
The GGM asserted that mpowering the next generation, especially young women, is central to the group vision .
“Partnering with UNICEF GenU 9JA allows us to create meaningful, sustainable impact by providing structured training and real-world experience in our iconic properties in Nigeria,.” he pointed out
GenU 9JA, launched by UNICEF in 2021, operates as a public-private-youth platform supported under the Office of the Vice President.
It has already reached over 11 million young Nigerians through initiatives that connect learning to earning, improve digital access, and foster youth engagement.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Office & Lead Generation Unlimited Nigeria, highlighted the real-world impact of employer-led training.
“Young women who might otherwise be left out of this industry will gain the skills, the mentorship, and the confidence to build lasting careers .. That is what GenU 9JA is here to make possible.” Celine noted
The program will roll out initially at Lagos Continental and Abuja Continental, with expansion plans to reach more young Nigerians nationwide.
By combining Continental Hotels’ operational excellence with GenU 9JA’s youth development expertise, the partnership sets a new model for industry-led youth empowerment in Nigeria.
” As the hospitality and tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, this initiative positions Continental Hotels Group at the forefront of talent development, ensuring the next generation is ready to lead the industry forward.” Karl concluded