NLNG has approved the payment of a total of N250million for 50 Nigerian entrepreneurs (N5million per entrepreneur) under its youth empowerment programme; Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme VIBES. This follows the completion of its 20-daytraining for 75 entrepreneurs.

Speaking at what she described as a transformative gathering; pitch the PIT-A-THON for the 75 entrepreneurs, who participated in the 20-day training to pitch their businesses and ideas before a panel of judges, in Port Harcourt, Friday, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, disclosed that a total of 50 out of the 75 entrepreneurs would be selected and each of them would receive a N5million grant to boost the growth of their businesses.

She noted that by doing this, NLNG is placing confidence in the successful entrepreneurs’ ability and capacity to lead change among their peers, their communities and the youths in the entire Nigerian society.

According to her, NLNG believes that the VIBES Initiative has the potential to create opportunities, and grow the minds of participating youths, adding that the VIBES Initiative is about seeing a gap and choosing to bridge it innovatively, as it is also about creating impact, creating jobs, and building sustainable prosperity from within.

Dr. Sophia also noted that the commitment of NLNG to entrepreneurship is rooted in a clear and enduring purpose of empowering the youths in its host communities and unlock the boundless potential that lies within them.

She urged the remaining 25 entrepreneurs, who might not be successful not to see it as an end but rather pick up courage for other available empowerment initiatives by the company for its host communities.

She said: “Today, 75 bold entrepreneurs are stepping forward to pitch their businesses and ideas. I’m proud to announce that 50 outstanding participants will each receive a grant of N5 million to fuel their business growth. By this, NLNG is placing confidence in your capacity to lead change among your peers, your communities and among youths in the larger society.

We’re here today to witness not just a pitch competition, but the ignition of dreams that will shape the future of our young entrepreneurs, their families and their communities. NLNG believes that the VIBES initiative has the potential to create opportunities, and grow the minds of participating youths. VIBES is about seeing a gap and choosing to bridge it innovatively. It is about impact, creating jobs, and building sustainable prosperity from within.

“Our commitment to entrepreneurship is rooted in a clear and enduring purpose: to empower the youths in our host communities and unlock the boundless potential that lies within them. For those who may not be among the final 50 beneficiaries, do not see this as the end, but as a beginning. I believe you have gained valuable insights from the training and coaching programme. You also have opportunity to source for highly affordable loans through the NLNG MSME scheme to grow your business.

“Let me use this opportunity to reassure you that NLNG, has a vision to continue to improve lives sustainably. VIBES is a direct expression of that vision as it offers opportunity for entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and networks; to grow local talents to become global leaders.”

Meanwhile, NLNG Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, who also spoke at the event, noted that the VIBES Initiative is not NLNG’s first venture

into youth empowerment.

He also cited the Youth Empowerment Scheme YES, launched in 2004, though which over 1,000 young men and women were equipped with skills, business training, and startup support. He disclosed that many of them are today, are thriving entrepreneurs – building businesses, employing others, and changing lives, insisting that the legacy continues with VIBES.

He noted that the pitch is not just a competition, but a celebration of courage, creativity, and commitment. He commended the 75 remarkable entrepreneurs, who have shown resilience, vision, and the boldness to dream.

“Whether you receive a grant today or you will go get a loan with single digit interest to sustain your business, you should be aware that you are now part of a growing movement, one that is driving real change from the grassroots. The knowledge, skills, and networks you have acquired through the VIBES

training are your tools for building lasting legacies. Use them wisely. Use them

boldly. Use them to create businesses that solve problems, employ others, and

uplift communities”, Adeyemi said.

He also commended the judges, mentors, and partners, for their time, wisdom, and belief in the young innovators, assuring that their roles in the journey will remain invaluable.