Continental Hotels Group Partners UNICEF to Empower Nigerian Youth in Hospitality, Tourism
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Continental Hotels has announced a strategic partnership with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) platform.
Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, Karl Hala, said the collaboration was aimed at equipping young people—especially young women—with relevant skills for Nigeria’s rapidly expanding hospitality, tourism, and service industries.
He also said the partnership leverages Continental Hotels’ expertise in world-class hospitality and GenU 9JA’s proven track record in youth skilling and livelihood development.
“Through this initiative, participants will gain hands-on training, mentorship, and certification opportunities aligned with global hospitality standards. The program focuses on building workplace readiness, including customer service excellence, operational skills, sustainable practices, and career pathways from entry-level roles to leadership positions.
“Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing domestic and international demand.
“By investing in young talent—particularly young women who are often underrepresented—this partnership addresses critical skills gaps while promoting inclusive economic opportunities and gender equality.”
He further said, “We are committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading hospitality hub in Africa.”
“Empowering the next generation, especially young women, is central to our 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.
“The initiative will roll out through Continental Hotels’ Hospitality Academy, in collaboration with GenU 9JA and other stakeholders. Initial cohorts will include training programmes at the Lagos and Abuja properties, with plans for expansion to reach more young Nigerians nationwide,” he said.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Office and Lead Generation Unlimited Nigeria, said that Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), launched by UNICEF in 2021, is a public-private-youth partnership platform supporting young Nigerians in transitioning from learning to earning.
With over 11 million youth impacted to date and institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President, GenU 9JA emphasises collaborations that drive workplace readiness, digital access, and youth engagement.
C
ontinental Hotels has announced a strategic partnership with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA) platform.
Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, Karl Hala, said the collaboration was aimed at equipping young people—especially young women—with relevant skills for Nigeria’s rapidly expanding hospitality, tourism, and service industries.
He also said the partnership leverages Continental Hotels’ expertise in world-class hospitality and GenU 9JA’s proven track record in youth skilling and livelihood development.
“Through this initiative, participants will gain hands-on training, mentorship, and certification opportunities aligned with global hospitality standards. The program focuses on building workplace readiness, including customer service excellence, operational skills, sustainable practices, and career pathways from entry-level roles to leadership positions.
“Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing domestic and international demand.
“By investing in young talent—particularly young women who are often underrepresented—this partnership addresses critical skills gaps while promoting inclusive economic opportunities and gender equality.”
He further said, “We are committed to positioning Nigeria as a leading hospitality hub in Africa.”
“Empowering the next generation, especially young women, is central to our 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.
“The initiative will roll out through Continental Hotels’ Hospitality Academy, in collaboration with GenU 9JA and other stakeholders. Initial cohorts will include training programmes at the Lagos and Abuja properties, with plans for expansion to reach more young Nigerians nationwide,” he said.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Office and Lead Generation Unlimited Nigeria, said that Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), launched by UNICEF in 2021, is a public-private-youth partnership platform supporting young Nigerians in transitioning from learning to earning.
With over 11 million youth impacted to date and institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President, GenU 9JA emphasises collaborations that drive workplace readiness, digital access, and youth engagement.
