The NNPC Foundation has launched business pitching assessments for 2,659 corps members, aiming to support their entrepreneurial ventures by distributing start-up packs. This initiative is part of the foundation’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment and help young graduates achieve economic self-sufficiency.
During the opening ceremony in Abuja, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, emphasized that the program is designed to equip participants for business success. The empowerment initiative, in collaboration with the NYSC, involves two reputable facilitators – the NNPC Academy and Kudimata Nigeria Limited.
Arukwe highlighted that this program aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce graduate unemployment by providing young graduates with essential skills for personal and professional development. She further noted that the initiative reflects NNPC Limited’s commitment to stakeholder empowerment and creating valuable opportunities for Nigerians.
Corps members with outstanding business plans will receive start-up packs and advisory services. Selection criteria focus on the viability and sustainability of the business idea, market relevance, and competitive edge.
Read also
- Nigeria needs $1bn low-interest investment to cut fish imports by 50% — TADAN
- British investment firm injects £1.09b into African businesses to create jobs
- APPLY NOW: Dental Nurse
- Lagos to launch leather hub in Mushin to empower SMEs
- APPLY NOW: Front Desk Officer
“We are very passionate about young people, and we believe this is the demographic that needs support,” Arukwe said.
Mr. Paul Bambe, Assistant Director of the NYSC Department of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, explained that the empowerment program includes financial literacy education during and after the NYSC camp. Corps members who complete the learning stages will pitch their business ideas, and the NNPC Foundation will provide start-up packs for the selected businesses.
Kathleen Erhimu, Group Managing Director of Kudimata Nigeria Limited and the NNPC Foundation’s principal consultant, mentioned that about 300,000 corps members had been trained on financial literacy. Mr. Abdulrahim Haruna, Chief Technology Officer, representing Erhimu, noted that corps members underwent rigorous assessments before selection.
Corps members expressed their gratitude for the program, sharing how it has better prepared them for entrepreneurial ventures. Hilary Ugwuanyi stated, “The NNPC Foundation is teaching us financial literacy, how to stand on our own, the type of business to go into, and the risks involved, so that we do not depend on scarce white-collar jobs.”
Onyinyechi Emejo added, “I learned how to invest my money wisely because you can have money and not know how to invest it.”
The NNPC Foundation Empowerment program, which began in August 2023, has trained over 284,000 corps members on financial literacy. At the end of the pitching exercise, 1,500 start-up packs will be awarded to successful candidates.
Discover more from SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
