The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has disbursed N531,000 each to 531 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), along with starter packs to help them establish their own businesses. The initiative, described as a move to foster self-reliance and economic development, was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., represented by the Group Chief Operating Officer, highlighted that the effort reflects the company’s commitment to youth development and national progress. He noted that the selection process was highly competitive, and the chosen corps members stood out for their potential and dedication.
The CEO encouraged the recipients to use the funds and tools to build purposeful businesses that uphold values of integrity and excellence. “These resources are seeds for your growth and transformation,” he said.
The empowerment programme is a collaboration involving NNPC Ltd. Foundation, NYSC, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Kudimata Nigeria Ltd. It aims to improve lives through financial literacy and entrepreneurship support.
According to the Managing Director of the NNPC Ltd. Foundation, the initiative began in August 2023 and has trained over 800,000 corps members. The training covered essential business topics including branding, funding, and project viability. Only those who scored 70 percent or higher during the selection process advanced to the final stage.
She emphasized that even participants who were not selected for funding still benefited from the skills needed to access loans and grants, describing the programme as a long-term investment in economic resilience.
Kudimata’s founder also praised the project, calling it a celebration of youth purpose and transformation, while the NYSC Director-General commended NNPC for offering both training and tangible business tools, saying few partners deliver such a comprehensive package.
The Registrar-General of the CAC, represented by a senior official, urged the recipients to formalize their businesses using the commission’s online platforms to enhance their access to funding and growth opportunities.
One of the beneficiaries described the programme as a life-changing opportunity and urged fellow corps members to stay focused and fully utilize the support provided.
The initiative stands as a notable example of public-private collaboration aimed at building a financially independent and entrepreneurial youth population in Nigeria.
