1 day Ago By NewsDirect
The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has unveiled a new initiative aimed at boosting entrepreneurship across Rivers State through a scheme that promises $1,300 business grants to 50 standout participants.The programme, known as the Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), was formally launched during the week in Port Harcourt. It was introduced by NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall, and presented by Charles Epelle, Manager of Community Relations and Sustainable Development.
VIBES is set to replace the long-running Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), which began in 2004, and will focus on over 110 of NLNG’s host and pipeline communities throughout the state.According to Dr Horsfall, the scheme will deliver hands-on, practical training to build both technical and managerial skills among participants. The top 50 individuals will receive grants totalling $1,300 (approximately ¦ 2.
91 million), issued in two instalments, along with access to mentorship, business networking, and ongoing support services.“Entrepreneurship is not just about launching businesses, it’s about unlocking opportunities that can stimulate economic development and create social impact,” Horsfall said. “Our aim is to help people become job creators and contributors to lasting change in their communities.
”She explained that the new scheme was developed in response to lessons from the previous YES programme, which trained more than 1,400 young people in the past 21 years in fields including automotive engineering, advanced welding, catering, fashion design, cosmetology, ICT, hotel management, photography, and agriculture. However, only around 300 of those participants succeeded in launching sustainable businesses.Recognising the need for a more effective and scalable approach, NLNG collaborated with professionals from the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, law, business development, and technology to design the VIBES initiative.
The programme is built around a curriculum of participatory, industry-informed training intended to prepare participants to thrive in highly competitive markets. Beyond financial support, VIBES also offers mentorship and business advisory services to help beneficiaries scale their enterprises and weather common challenges faced by start-ups.NLNG expressed confidence that the new scheme would lead to more measurable, long-term outcomes than its predecessor by equipping participants with practical tools for success and resilience.
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