In a major youth empowerment move, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has provided ₦531,000 each to 531 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), along with business starter packs to support their journey toward self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Abuja, was led by NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Bayo Ojulari, who described the empowerment as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and a demonstration of the company’s commitment to integrity, excellence, and national development.
“You are exceptional candidates. We are proud to support your journey,” Ojulari told the selected corps members, urging them to use the resources responsibly to build impactful, sustainable businesses.
“Use these resources wisely. They are seeds for your growth and transformation,” he added.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the NNPCL Foundation, the NYSC, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and Kudimata Nigeria Ltd. Its overarching goal is to promote financial literacy and empower young Nigerians to create economic value.
Managing Director of the NNPCL Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said the project began in August 2023 with a focus on financial education, and has since impacted more than 800,000 corps members.
She noted that the training covered vital areas such as branding, funding, and business viability. The 531 finalists were selected based on a rigorous process, having scored at least 70 percent in assessments.
“Even those not selected today have gained skills that will help them access loans and grants in the future. This is a long-term investment in economic resilience,” she said.
Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised the NNPCL for combining practical training with tangible support, describing it as a model for sustainable youth development.
