Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In a bold move to deepen youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in Rivers State, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has unveiled a new initiative—the *Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES)—offering *$1,300 business grants** to top participants.
The VIBES programme, which officially launched on Monday in Port Harcourt, is designed to replace NLNG’s *Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), which had been active since 2004. The company announced that the scheme will target *over 110 host and pipeline communities across the state.
Speaking on behalf of *Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, *Charles Epelle, Manager of Community Relations and Sustainable Development, shared details of the initiative during the launch event.
“Beneficiaries will undergo professional, practical, and participatory training designed to build strong technical and managerial skills,” Horsfall stated.
“The top 50 participants will each receive a business grant of $1,300 (approximately ₦2.91 million), disbursed in two tranches.”
Transitioning from YES to VIBES
Over the last two decades, more than 1,400 youths were trained under the previous YES scheme in diverse fields such as *automotive engineering, advanced welding, catering, hotel management, ICT, fashion design, and more. However, only around *300 participants successfully established viable businesses, highlighting the need for a more sustainable and results-driven model.
VIBES is designed to fill that gap by offering not only training but also a robust support system including *mentorship, business development services, and networking opportunities. The programme was developed in collaboration with professionals in *entrepreneurship, law, innovation, and technology, ensuring that participants are equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.
A Commitment to Long-Term Impact
According to Horsfall, NLNG views entrepreneurship not just as a vehicle for starting businesses but as a critical driver of economic growth, job creation, and social transformation.
“Our goal is to nurture local talent and help individuals become creators of jobs, wealth, and sustainable impact,” she said.
The company expressed confidence that the VIBES programme would yield stronger and more measurable outcomes than its predecessor, ultimately strengthening the economic fabric of its host communities.
By combining targeted training with financial support and mentorship, NLNG aims to empower a new generation of business leaders capable of scaling successful enterprises and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
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