Victoria Mbangwa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has transformed 531 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members into budding entrepreneurs with cash grants of N531,000 each and essential business starter packs.
The empowerment initiative, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, reflects NNPC Ltd.’s deepening commitment to building economic resilience among Nigerian youths. The beneficiaries, selected through a rigorous process, emerged from a pool of thousands, earning their spots with scores above 70 percent in a comprehensive financial literacy program.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bayo Ojulari represented by the Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roland Ewubare hailed the initiative as a strategic investment in the nation’s future.
“You are exceptional candidates. We are proud to support your journey,” he said. “Use these resources wisely. They are seeds for your growth and transformation.”
The initiative is a collaboration between the NNPC Ltd. Foundation, the NYSC, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Kudimata Nigeria Ltd., targeting financial empowerment through hands-on training and practical support.
Managing Director of NNPC Ltd. Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, revealed that over 800,000 corps members have participated in the program since its inception in August 2023. The training covered key entrepreneurial modules including branding, funding, project viability, and business strategy.
“More than 800,000 corps members have participated since August 2023,” Arukwe noted. “Even those not selected today have gained skills to access loans and grants. This is a long-term investment in economic resilience.”
Kudimata founder, Kathleen Erhimu, praised the project as a turning point for youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria. “We are celebrating purpose and transformation. Our goal is to empower the youth for financial independence,” she said.
NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, applauded NNPC Ltd.’s holistic approach, combining knowledge with tools for immediate impact. “This will go a long way in helping the beneficiaries realise their business dreams,” he said.
Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Hussaini Magaji represented by Hajiya Amina Fika urged recipients to formalize their businesses and explore online platforms for registration and funding access.
One of the newly empowered entrepreneurs, Ozigi Faith, described the program as a “life-changing opportunity” and a launchpad for achieving financial freedom. “It is our first step to financial freedom. Let us stay focused and make the most of it,” he said.
