NNPC Introduces New Business Opportunities for Youth Corps Members

A total of 2,659 members of the National Youth Service Corps across Nigeria have been pre-qualified for the final phase of the NNPC Foundation Business Pitching Exercise. According to a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, the exercise is scheduled to take place from July 2 to 10, 2024. This event is a crucial component of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy Programme for Nigerian youths, which has engaged over 284,000 corps members through rigorous training and assessments.

Speaking about the exercise, the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, highlighted the selection criteria. The focus will be on the feasibility and sustainability of the business idea, market relevance, competitive edge and innovation, scalability, potential community impact, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the corps members. “We have identified these 2,659 individuals who are ready to present their business ideas to a distinguished panel of assessors,” Arukwe stated. She also emphasized that the Financial Literacy Programme aligns with the NNPC Foundation’s mission to equip young Nigerian graduates with essential skills for personal and professional development.

In addition to the business pitching exercise, the NNPC Foundation has facilitated a significant 50 percent reduction in the registration fee for corps members’ businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The Foundation’s initiatives aim to enhance Nigeria’s socio-economic development through targeted interventions in education, health, the environment, access to energy, and youth empowerment. These efforts are designed to foster economic empowerment, promote entrepreneurship, and support sustainable development across the nation.