The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced that 2,659 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been pre-qualified for the final phase of the NNPC Foundation Business Pitching Exercise. This event will take place from July 2 to 10, 2024.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, shared that this exercise is part of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy programme for Nigerian youths. The programme engaged over 284,000 corps members in rigorous training and assessments.
Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, explained the selection criteria for the final phase.
“We 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,” Arukwe stated.
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Arukwe emphasized the programme’s alignment 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 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 expand their ventures.
In a related effort, the NNPC Foundation has also arranged a significant 50 percent reduction in the registration fee for corps members’ businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The NNPC Foundation serves as the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited. It focuses on enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development through targeted initiatives in education, health, the environment, access to energy, and youth empowerment, aiming to foster economic growth, promote entrepreneurship, and support sustainable development nationwide.