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2,659 Compete as NNPC Foundation Unveils Business Opportunities for Youth Corps Members

Katsina City News
28 Jun, 2024
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A total of 2,659 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across Nigeria have been pre-qualified for the final phase of the NNPC Foundation Business Pitching Exercise.

Scheduled to take place from July 2nd to 10th, 2024, this exercise is a key component of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy Program for Nigerian youths. Over 284,000 corps members participated in rigorous training and assessments as part of this initiative.

Speaking on the exercise, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, stated that the selection criteria will focus on the feasibility and sustainability of the business idea, market relevance, competitive edge and innovation, scalability, potential impact on the community, 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 said.

She noted that the Financial Literacy Program aligns with the NNPC Foundation's mission of equipping young Nigerian graduates with the necessary skills for personal and professional development.

“By educating corps members on financial management and entrepreneurship, the program aims to empower them to become economically self-sufficient and contribute positively to society,” she added.

During the pitching exercise, standout projects will receive startup packs, business advisory services, and opportunities to scale their ventures.

Additionally, the management of NNPC Foundation has facilitated a significant 50% reduction in the registration fee for corps members’ businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The NNPC Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited. Its initiatives focus on enhancing Nigeria's socio-economic development through targeted interventions in education, health, the environment, access to energy, and youth empowerment to foster economic empowerment, promote entrepreneurship, and support sustainable development across the nation.

Olufemi O. Soneye

Chief Corporate Communications Officer

NNPC Ltd.

Abuja