Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has introduced a new economic empowerment initiative aimed at nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth in Rivers State. The new programme, Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), will provide $1,300 grants to the top 50 participants, aimed at equipping them with the skills needed for success in the business world.
The programme was officially launched on Monday in Port Harcourt, with Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, making the announcement through the Manager of Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Charles Epelle.
Horsfall stated that VIBES would replace the previous Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), which had been running since 2004. The new scheme is expected to benefit over 110 host and pipeline communities across Rivers State.
The beneficiaries will receive hands-on training to build both technical and managerial skills, and the top 50 will be awarded their grants in two tranches. Along with financial support, they will also receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and business support services to help ensure the long-term success of their ventures.
“We are committed to empowering young people with the right tools to build sustainable businesses that not only support their families but also contribute to the community and economy,” said Horsfall. “VIBES is designed to give our participants the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.”
The $1,300 grant (approximately N2.91 million) will be distributed in two phases, providing the entrepreneurs with the capital needed to launch and sustain their businesses.
Horsfall further explained that NLNG believes that entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business; it’s about creating opportunities that can drive economic growth and social transformation. The company’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals to become job creators, wealth generators, and community builders.
The YES programme, which ran for over 21 years, trained more than 1,400 youths in various fields such as automotive engineering, advanced welding, fashion design, hotel management, ICT, and more. However, only about 300 participants successfully established viable businesses. This gap highlighted the need for a more sustainable and supportive model, leading to the launch of VIBES.
In partnership with experts from various sectors including business development, law, technology, and innovation, the new programme promises to deliver stronger outcomes by focusing on both technical and managerial capacity building. Participants will also benefit from continuous mentorship, networking, and business development services to ensure the growth and sustainability of their enterprises.
NLNG is confident that VIBES will create more impactful results than its predecessor, offering participants the critical tools and support they need to succeed in the competitive world of business.
