Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has launched VIBES, a revamped economic empowerment programme, to strengthen small businesses and youth entrepreneurship across over 110 host and pipeline communities in Rivers State.
The new initiative, Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), replaces the former Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES). It underscores NLNG’s commitment to sustainable community development and economic transformation.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Port Harcourt, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasized the broader vision.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about starting and running a business. It is about creating opportunities that uplift communities, drive economic growth, and spark positive social change,” Dr. Horsfall said.
She explained that VIBES aligns with NLNG’s mission of “improving lives sustainably” by growing entrepreneurial knowledge, building strong networks, and nurturing community change-makers.
Since YES began in 2004, NLNG has trained over 1,400 youths across ten vocational fields. These include automotive engineering, advanced welding, catering and hotel management, fashion design and cosmetology, farm management, ICT, photography, and video production.
However, fewer than 300 of these trained youths operate viable businesses today. To close this gap, VIBES introduces a more hands-on and supportive approach.
Representing Dr. Horsfall at the event, Charles Epelle, Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, stressed NLNG’s renewed commitment.
“VIBES fosters an environment where individuals create businesses, generate employment, and become innovators. We nurture local talents to become job creators and wealth builders,” he noted.
VIBES builds on the foundation laid by YES but expands it with stronger mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical business support.
Comprehensive Support for Sustainable Growth
VIBES offers participants enhanced training in financial management, marketing, strategic planning, and legal practices. It also connects them with seasoned mentors from entrepreneurship, law, technology, and business development sectors.
Top performers will benefit even more. The top 50 participants will each receive $1,300 in grants, disbursed in two stages, to scale their businesses.
Moreover, participants will undergo professional, practical, and participative training designed to strengthen both technical and managerial skills.
To ensure continued success, NLNG will establish the VIBES Alumni Network. This network will provide ongoing mentorship, business advisory services, and expanded networking opportunities for graduates.
Through VIBES, NLNG reinforces its commitment to economic empowerment, one of the four pillars of its community development strategy, alongside education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
