How SBC fosters development of Nigerian future leaders through access to global education

…Unveils 16th 7UP-HBSS recipient

Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) has said that it remained committed to developing Nigerian leaders through access to world-class education and leadership development.

According to the company, the 7UP Harvard Business School Scholarship (7UP-HBSS) continues to reflect the company’s belief that investing in people is an investment in Nigeria’s future.

Speaking at the unveiling of Jochebed Angbazo as the 16th recipient of the scholarship, Sari El-Khalil, managing director of Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), who was represented by Muhammed Ahmad, Chief Finance Officer, said the company is committed to the scholarship and its impact on recipients and society.

He said that the success story of Misan Rewane, the first 7UP-HBSS recipient in 2010, whose organisation, West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE), is strengthening employability skills for young people across the region, is a clear example of impact.

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“We are very proud of the profound impact the 7UP-HBSS initiative has made on recipients and in Nigeria. We remain committed to the programme despite the challenging business environment because we have seen the value it continues to create for individuals and for the country,” he said.

Olayinka Olufade, Head of People and Culture of SBC, said the vision of SBC Chairman, Faysal El-Khalil, who established the scholarship 16 years ago, is a clear indication of the rigour associated with the selection process.

She said the process is deliberately rigorous, with candidates assessed not only on their professional achievements and academic potential, but also on their commitment to creating meaningful impact in Nigeria. We look for individuals who are passionate about Nigeria, who understand the opportunity that exists here, and who are ready to return and apply what they learn to create impact in their communities and the wider society.”

Nkemdirim Agboti, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Seven-Up Bottling Company, said the company’s success is measured not only by its refreshing brands, but also by its responsibility to the communities around it, adding that 7UP-HBSS is a strong expression of the opportunities the company create and the lives it touches.

“Our Angbazo has more than eight years of experience across real estate, financial services, digital media, and hospitality. Born in Jos, Plateau State, she believes in the country’s potential and its people. Expressing her appreciation to SBC for the opportunity to pursue a long-held ambition of studying at Harvard Business School, she encouraged Nigerian parents to continue investing in the education of girls.

The 7UP-HBSS, which supports exceptional Nigerian professionals to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School, is one of SBC’s longest-running social investment initiatives. Established in 2010 to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary, the programme has now awarded 16 MBA scholarships to deserving Nigerians, creating a growing community of leaders whose work spans business, entrepreneurship, public policy, and social development.

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