One hundred and three (103 ) trainees that will undergo series of capacity-building sessions leading to a competitive pitching phase, have been inducted into the 2026 programme of the NLNG’s economic empowerment initiative, called, “the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES)”,
The induction held in Port Harcourt on Monday, marked a significant milestone in the scheme’s ongoing commitment to skills development and sustainable economic empowerment.
In a statement signed by the organization, the most viable business proposals will be selected based on defined evaluation criteria.
Speaking during the ceremony in Port Harcourt, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, emphasised NLNG’s commitment to sustainable community development.
“The VIBES programme reflects NLNG’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development in our host communities through targeted capacity building, access to innovative support, and enterprise development opportunities”.
According to Horsfall, NLNG is strengthening local economy across host and pipeline communities noting that the graduation of one cohort and the induction of another showcase the continuity of NLNG investment in youth empowerment, innovation, and enterprise development as key drivers of inclusive growth.
“VIBES represents a strategic intervention aligned with NLNG’s broader sustainable development objectives and the programme is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial capability and strengthen the networks required for emerging business leaders and community change-makers to thrive within their communities”. She explained
In the same vain, the Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, described the effort as rewarding, noting the progress made by the graduating cohort.
“When we supported them last year, it was not only with training but also with grants to help strengthen their businesses as businesses are expanding and beneficiaries are more confident in managing their ventures. That is the essence of VIBES, practical support that helps people make real progress.”
Adeyemi says, “VIBES is NLNG’s economic empowerment programme designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and support required to build sustainable livelihoods”.
According to the statement, Participants receive practical training in financial management, marketing, business strategy, and foundational legal principles, complemented by mentorship and advisory guidance from experienced professionals.
” This integrated approach combines capacity development with funding support to enable participants to scale their businesses, improve profitability, and build sustainable enterprises”.
Economic empowerment remains a key component of NLNG’s broader sustainable development efforts, alongside education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
“Through VIBES, the company aims to support more young entrepreneurs in building viable businesses, creating economic value, and contributing meaningfully to the development of its host and pipeline communities across Rivers State”.
Furthermore, the relaunch of the programme, 26 participants have so far benefited from the grant and completed their training under the initiative after which grant support were given in the preceding year, marking the close of their training.
One year after receiving support, several of the graduates have strengthened their operations, enhanced financial management practices, expanded their customer base, and transitioned from early-stage concepts to more structured, revenue-generating enterprises.