2,659 corps members jostle for NNPC Foundation’s business opportunities

Ilenre Irele

About 2,659 members of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, across Nigeria have been pre-qualified for the final phase of the NNPC Foundation Business Pitching Exercise.

Scheduled to take place from July 2 to 10, 2024, the exercise is an important aspect of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy Program for Nigerian youths that saw the engagement of over 284,000 corps members, who underwent rigorous training and assessments.

About the exercise, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the selection criteria 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.
“We have identified these 2,659 individuals who are ready to present their business ideas to a distinguished panel of assessors,” Arukwe stated.
She informed that the Financial Literacy Program is aligned with the NNPC Foundation’s mission of equipping young Nigerian graduates with necessary 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 to contribute positively to society,” she added.

During the pitching exercise, projects that standout will receive startup packs, business advisory services, and opportunities to scale their ventures.
In a related development, the management of NNPC Foundation has facilitated a significant 50% reduction in the registration fee for corps members’ businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).