The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited has started a new economic empowerment programme in Rivers State called the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme which will provide business grants worth $1,300 each to the top 50 participants.
The programme began on Monday in Port Harcourt and was introduced by NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development Dr Sophia Horsfall through the Manager of Community Relations and Sustainable Development Charles Epelle.
Dr Horsfall stated that this new scheme will take over from the Youth Empowerment Scheme which started in 2004 and will benefit more than 110 host and pipeline communities located throughout Rivers State.
Those selected for the scheme will take part in hands-on training sessions focused on building technical and managerial skills. The best 50 will receive their grants in two stages along with additional support such as mentoring networking and business-related services.
The announcement read that the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas has begun the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme for its over 110 host and pipeline communities across the state.
Dr Horsfall further said that the beneficiaries will receive professional and practical training aimed at developing strong technical and managerial abilities.
Each of the top 50 participants will be awarded a $1,300 grant which is around N2.91 million and will be paid in two parts.
Dr Horsfall explained that NLNG believes entrepreneurship is more than just launching a business. It also includes generating opportunities that support both economic progress and social change.
She said the purpose of this initiative is to help build local capacity and support individuals in becoming people who create jobs wealth and long-term value.
Further Details
Dr Horsfall shared that in the past 21 years over 1,400 young people took part in the YES programme with training areas that included automotive engineering advanced welding catering hotel management fashion cosmetology farming ICT and media production.
But only about 300 of them went on to start successful businesses which showed the need for a better and more sustainable plan.
To fix this problem NLNG introduced the VIBES programme in partnership with professionals in the fields of entrepreneurship business law technology and innovation.
She explained that the training provided under VIBES will be professional practical and hands-on. It is structured to help participants build the necessary skills to succeed in challenging business environments.
Selected individuals will also benefit from mentorship networking and business support which will help them grow and maintain their businesses.
NLNG is confident that VIBES will perform better than the earlier programme by giving participants the essential tools they need to run successful and lasting businesses.