Unity Bank Plc has awarded a total sum of N10 million to 30 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as part of its Corpreneurship Challenge, an entrepreneurship development initiative aimed at fostering innovation and job creation among young entrepreneurs.
These innovative youths, representing various sectors such as honey production, rice farming, and snail rearing, among others, received funding support for their innovative business solutions.
The challenge, which spanned 10 NYSC Orientation Camps across states like Katsina, Kano, Kwara, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Sokoto, Edo, Akwa-Ibom, and Osun, saw Azegba Chimuanya Perpetual, pitching a honey production business, emerge as the overall winner at the Akwa Ibom State camp, securing a N500,000 grant.
Iyorwa Kater Israel, focusing on commercial rice farming, clinched a N300,000 grant, while Egelonu Emmanuel Friday received N200,000 to support his snail farming venture.
In addition, 27 other winners from the remaining states showcased diverse business plans in sectors such as fish production, poultry farming, fashion, soap and cake making, printing, piggery, beverage production, etc.
Dr Opeyemi Ojesina, Head of Retail and SME Banking Group at Unity Bank, lauded the Corpreneurship Challenge, hailing it as a significant platform for entrepreneurship development and job creation in Nigeria. He emphasized the initiative’s focus on addressing the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, recognizing their vital role in economic development.
He stressed the program’s holistic approach, integrating financial support, mentorship, and skill development, providing a roadmap for success to budding entrepreneurs. Unity Bank’s commitment to empowering these corps members extends beyond financial aid to equipping them with entrepreneurial skills crucial for success.
The Corpreneurship Challenge has gained national acclaim for its contribution to youth empowerment and job creation. With over 2000 applicants in each edition, the initiative, held in collaboration with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), features a business pitch presentation that allows participants to present their ideas and compete for grants of up to N500,000.
Unity Bank’s investment of over N100 million in this initiative has led to the emergence of 148 winners since its inception, reaffirming its commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.
