Ololade Adeyanju/
A total of 2,659 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from across Nigeria have advanced to the final phase of the NNPC Foundation Business Pitching Exercise.
Scheduled for July 2nd to 10th, 2024, this event is a key component of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy Program, which has engaged over 284,000 corps members in rigorous training and assessments.
Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, highlighted that the selection criteria will emphasize the feasibility and sustainability of the business idea, market relevance, competitive edge and innovation, scalability, potential community impact, 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.
Arukwe noted that the Financial Literacy Program aligns 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 to contribute positively to society,” she added.
During the pitching exercise, standout projects will receive startup packs, business advisory services, and opportunities to scale their ventures.
In a related development, NNPC Foundation management has facilitated a significant 50% reduction in the registration fee for corps members’ businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited, focuses on enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development through targeted interventions in education, health, the environment, access to energy, and youth empowerment, aiming to foster economic empowerment, promote entrepreneurship, and support sustainable development across the nation.
0