Nigeria LNG Limited Expands Youth Empowerment Drive, Inducts 103 Into VIBES Programme
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Nigeria LNG Limited has expanded its economic empowerment drive with the induction of 103 new trainees into the 2026 cohort of its Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES).
The induction ceremony, held on Monday in Port Harcourt, underscores the company’s sustained commitment to skills development, entrepreneurship promotion, and inclusive economic growth within its host and pipeline communities.
Under the programme, the newly admitted trainees will participate in a structured capacity-building process covering critical business competencies. The training will culminate in a competitive pitching phase where participants will present business proposals to be evaluated based on clearly defined viability criteria.
At the same event, 26 beneficiaries from the previous cohort graduated after successfully completing their training cycle. The participants had earlier received grant support, marking the conclusion of their engagement under the initiative.
One year after receiving financial and technical support, several graduates have demonstrated measurable business growth. Many have strengthened operational systems, improved financial management practices, expanded their customer reach, and transitioned from early-stage ideas into structured, revenue-generating ventures. Some beneficiaries have also scaled up production capacity and diversified their service offerings, signalling improved enterprise stability.
Speaking during the ceremony, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to long-term community development. She noted that the VIBES initiative represents a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening local economies through targeted training, innovative support, and enterprise development opportunities.
According to her, the graduation of one cohort alongside the induction of another highlights the continuity of NLNG’s investment in youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship as vital drivers of inclusive growth.
Also addressing participants, the Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, described the milestone as fulfilling, pointing to the significant progress recorded by the graduating cohort. He explained that beyond training, beneficiaries received grant funding to strengthen their businesses, resulting in noticeable improvements in business expansion, operational confidence, and idea execution.
The VIBES programme is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical tools to build sustainable livelihoods. Participants receive hands-on training in financial management, marketing strategy, business development, and basic legal frameworks, alongside mentorship and advisory support from industry professionals.
Economic empowerment remains a key pillar of NLNG’s broader sustainable development agenda, which also focuses on education, infrastructure, and healthcare interventions. Through the VIBES initiative, the company aims to support more young entrepreneurs in establishing viable businesses, generating economic value, and contributing meaningfully to community development across Rivers State.
Since the programme’s relaunch, a total of 26 participants have benefited from grant funding and successfully completed their training under the scheme.
