The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has empowered 531 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through the distribution of business starter packs and financial grants.
During a ceremony held in Abuja, Thursday, the beneficiaries received various equipment including furniture-making kits, laptops, fashion design tools, and beauty care kits. In addition to these tools, each of the 531 recipients was awarded a grant of N531, 000 to support workshop rentals and business setup costs.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made the announcement through his representative, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roland Ewubare.
“You need a place to work, right?” he stated, addressing the beneficiaries. “A tailor cannot sew on the roadside in Garki. With the full authority of NNPC Ltd., I’m pleased to announce that each of you will receive N531,000. This figure symbolizes the fresh leadership in Nigeria—reflected in the new management at NNPC and the new NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.”
Engr. Ojulari congratulated the beneficiaries and commended the NYSC for partnering with NNPC Foundation to bring the initiative to life. He emphasized that the presentation of these items is a clear indication that NNPC Ltd. is a company that keeps its promises.
“We don’t just talk—we deliver. And we’re committed to doing more,” he said.
He further encouraged the beneficiaries to view the starter packs not merely as tools, but as seeds of transformation. “Use these resources wisely, set high standards for yourselves, and stay accountable. If you do that, success will follow,” he charged.
The Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Ms. Emmanuella Arukwe, explained that the selection process began in August 2023. From over 800,000 corps members who participated, 531 were ultimately chosen. She noted that even those who did not make the final list were trained and equipped with skills to enable them access loans and grants to start their own businesses.
Ms. Arukwe added that the programme was implemented in partnership with the NNPC Academy and Kudimata Nigeria Ltd., noting that the collaboration was designed to bridge the gap between training and opportunity. “Many corps members have talent and ideas but lack access to the right tools,” she said.
NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised the initiative, observing that over 400,000 corps members pass through the scheme annually, many without employable skills. He noted that the intervention from NNPC Ltd. would reduce pressure on the job market.
He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the starter packs and pledged to continue strengthening NYSC’s partnership with NNPC Ltd.