By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Foundation officially distributed business starter packs including ₦531,000 grant to 531 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on Thursday in Abuja.
The packs marks a significant step in the foundation’s nationwide business empowerment programme.
The starter-packs included furniture making kits, laptops, fashion designing tools and beauty kits, all accompanied by Solar powered systems.
The event, held at the NNPC Foundation’s corporate office in Abuja on May 22, 2025, was part of a flagship collaboration with NYSC and Kudimata to support self-reliance among Nigerian youth.
NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari represented by the Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roland Ewubare while congratulating the successful participants, said the sum of N531 000 was approved as part of the package for each corps member.
“So, I reached out to my colleagues upstairs and l’m glad to inform you that the sum of five hundred and thirty one thousand naira has been approved for each of you.
“For each successful Participant we have provided a starter pack according to the nature of individual pitch, we have starter packs for catering, beauty and technology, This shows you that NNPC doesn’t just talk but we walk the talk. We are really ready and able to do more,” he said.
The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu said over 400,000 corps members pass through the NYSC yearly without skills.
Commending the NNPCL, he said the skills imparted on the corps members would reduce the pressure in the labour market.
“Earlier this morning myself and the team marked NYSC fiftieth second year anniversary, the scheme has continued to foster national integration, unity and youth development.
“What a way to add more colours to the day than to gather here with like minded people to celebrate the success of a viable partnership online with one of NYSC’s key programmes, the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship development initiative,” he said.
The beneficiaries received essential starter packs to kickstart their ventures, with a call from an NNPCL representative to utilize them effectively, encouraging further support for future participants.
Mrs. Emmanuella N. Arukwe, Managing Director of the Foundation, explained the initiative addresses the critical question of “What practical support do young Nigerians need after NYSC?”
Over 800,000 corps members received financial literacy training, leading to the selection of 531 through a rigorous pitching process.
This included multiple examinations and a focus on business viability, branding, funding access, and feasibility studies to ensure success.
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), represented by Mrs. Amina Fika, praised the program as a strategic investment in youth enterprise, offering half-price business registration to successful corps members.
Similarly, Mrs. Folashade Adekeye, Director of the NNPC Academy, highlighted the dedication of the 32,000 corps members who attended virtual sessions, leading to the selection of the most outstanding for support.
Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, Executive Vice-President of Business Services at NNPC Ltd, emphasized that the starter packs empower young Nigerians to “dream and invest back into the nation.”
Kathleen Erhimu, CEO of Kudimata, an educational platform for financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills, noted that over a million youths have been trained by Kudimata, commending NNPCL for providing the necessary tools for a strong start.
Beneficiaries Ozigi Faith and Samuel Eno-Obong shared their gratitude, explaining how the program and the provided tools—from ICT equipment to tailoring and carpentry kits—will significantly boost their businesses. Each of the 531 participants received customized starter packs aligned with their approved business proposals.
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