The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) has successfully concluded its Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), a transformative initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with hands-on skills and entrepreneurial capacity. The four-week programme wrapped up in Port Harcourt with a pitch-a-thon where participants presented the business ideas they developed during the training.
Out of the 70 youths who completed the programme, 35 showcased their pitches on Thursday, while the remaining 35 took the stage on Friday, marking the end of the programme. At the end of the event, 28 participants were awarded business grants of N5 million each, amounting to a total disbursement of N140 million. The remaining 42 beneficiaries were granted access to an MSME loan facility of about N1 million each.
Speaking at the closing event, NLNG’s Community Relations and Development Manager, Yemi Adeyemi, revealed that although 300 invitations were sent out, only 70 individuals completed the entire programme. He urged the beneficiaries to apply their new knowledge and utilize the support funds wisely to build sustainable businesses.
Programme facilitator, Charles Nwawihe, commended the participants for their commitment, noting that the skills and insights acquired during the training were worth more than the financial grants. He expressed optimism that the VIBES initiative would play a vital role in reshaping the business landscape in the Niger Delta.
He added that the programme’s conclusion marks only the beginning of a greater journey for the beneficiaries. “We look forward to seeing everyone at the top. See you next time,” he said.
The VIBES initiative stands as part of NLNG’s wider commitment to youth empowerment and economic development in host communities and beyond.
