Unity Bank Plc has announced that it has empowered a total of 578 young entrepreneurs through its Corpreneurship Challenge, a flagship initiative targeting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with viable business ideas. The programme, which forms part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts, aims to promote self-employment, enterprise development, and job creation among Nigerian youths.
In the latest edition held during the Batch B, Stream II NYSC orientation course, 30 corps members emerged as winners across 10 states, receiving a combined grant of ₦16 million. The participating states included Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, and Plateau. The finalists pitched business ideas spanning fashion, food processing, event management, agriculture, manufacturing, and other value chains.
At the Lagos orientation camp in Ipaja, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo emerged overall winner with her soap-making venture, securing the ₦800,000 grand prize. Ndukwe Chiamaka Joan claimed ₦500,000 as first runner-up for her small chops business proposal, while Barakat Modinat Olamide received ₦300,000 for her beverage enterprise. Across the other camps, an additional 27 entrepreneurs were awarded grants to support businesses in fish and poultry farming, printing, piggery, cake production, and related sectors.
Ojo described the initiative as life-changing, stating that the experience not only provided capital but also equipped her with business structure and confidence. “Winning the Corpreneurship Challenge has given me the push I needed to scale my soap-making business. Beyond the grant, the process taught me how to structure my business and believe in its potential,” she said.
Speaking at the grand finale in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail and SME Banking, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among young Nigerians. She highlighted that the Corpreneurship Challenge is designed to harness the creativity and energy of emerging business owners, offering mentorship, funding, and business exposure.
“With over 578 young entrepreneurs already supported, our goal is to deepen the impact of this initiative and expand its reach across the country,” she said, noting that empowering youth-led enterprises is crucial to driving inclusive growth and strengthening Nigeria’s small business ecosystem.
