A total of 2,659 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members 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 event is a key component of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy Program, which has engaged over 284,000 corps members in extensive training and assessments.
According to Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd. Abuja Olufemi Soneye, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, highlighted that the selection criteria would prioritize the feasibility and sustainability of business ideas, market relevance, competitive edge and innovation, scalability, potential community impact, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the participants.
“We have identified these 2,659 individuals who are ready to present their business ideas to a distinguished panel of assessors,” said Arukwe.
The Financial Literacy Program aligns with the NNPC Foundation’s mission to equip young Nigerian graduates with essential skills for personal and professional development. By educating corps members on financial management and entrepreneurship, the program aims to empower them to achieve economic self-sufficiency and positively contribute to society.
Outstanding projects in the pitching exercise will receive startup packs, business advisory services, and opportunities to scale their ventures. Additionally, the 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, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited, focuses on enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development through targeted interventions in education, health, environment, access to energy, and youth empowerment, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting sustainable development across the nation.
