By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has officially disbursed a total of N250 million in grants to 51 burgeoning entrepreneurs. This financial injection is part of the company’s rebranded Youth Empowerment Scheme, now known as the Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES).

Each of the selected beneficiaries received a grant of N5 million to scale their business operations. The move is designed to provide critical capital to small-scale industries within NLNG’s host and pipeline communities, specifically targeting sectors like agriculture, technology, and craftsmanship.

The 51 winners emerged after a rigorous 20-day intensive training program and a competitive “pitch-a-thon.” During this phase, 75 participants presented their business models to a panel of judges in Port Harcourt, with the top performers securing the life-changing funding.

The General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the company’s vision of improving lives sustainably. She noted that the program aims to unlock the boundless potential inherent in Nigerian youths.

While 51 entrepreneurs received the primary grants, NLNG ensured that other participants were not left behind. The remaining 24 entrepreneurs from the training cycle are eligible to access highly affordable, single-digit interest loans through the NLNG MSME scheme to sustain their growth.

Since the original inception of its youth schemes in 2004, NLNG has trained over 1,400 individuals. However, the VIBES iteration was specifically launched to address the gap in business sustainability, ensuring that trained youths transition into viable, job-creating employers within their local communities.

This strategic investment by NLNG reflects a broader commitment to economic diversification in Nigeria. By empowering these 51 change-makers, the company expects a ripple effect that will drive grassroots innovation, reduce unemployment, and foster long-term social stability across the Niger Delta region.