Guinness Nigeria recently restated its commitment to its host communities as it sponsored 10 youths to the Institute of Industrial Technology (IIT) as part of its community development initiatives.

The programme, which is focused on technical training, was designed to bridge the gap that exists in the Nigerian educational system.

Speaking during the orientation programme for the new inductees, the Director of the Institute, Mr. Olumide Akinjo, said: "The purpose of this programme is to use technical and vocational training to close the gap in Nigeria's educational development."

He commended the support from private organisations like Guinness who have kept the programme - which was started 13 years ago - alive.

"We are happy to have an able supporter such as Guinness Nigeria Plc that has supported some of our students towards achieving their dreams," he said.

In his remarks, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Sesan Sobowale, who was represented by Mrs. Nkiruka Ogboruche, reiterated the company's commitment to supporting the dreams and aspirations of the Nigerian youth.

"At Guinness Nigeria, we are always happy to be involved with worthy projects such as these that can add such tremendous value to the lives on Nigerians. This sort of support forms a core part of our community investment agenda and we will continue to support Nigeria and Nigerians through initiatives and activities that uplift them," he said.

The 10 Guinness-sponsored individuals were carefully selected from states where Guinness factories are located and were chosen after a series of evaluation and screening sessions from a large number of applicants who put in for the scholarship.

One of the recipients of the scholarship, Master Darlington Aibangbee, said he was excited to have made it through the selection process. He and his mother, Mrs. Aibangbee, thanked Guinness for the support. Darlington said he hoped to become a skilled technical worker and fend for himself and his family through the knowledge gained from the training.