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NNPC announces business pitching exercise for NYSC members
By Opeyemi Abdulsalam
The NNPC Foundation has pre-qualified 2,659 National Youth Service Corps members across Nigeria for the final phase of its Business Pitching Exercise.
This is in line with a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer
This exercise is part of the NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy program, which aims to empower Nigerian youths.
It said over 284,000 corps members participated in the program, undergoing rigorous training and assessments.
The final phase of the Business Pitching Exercise is scheduled to take place from July 2 to 10, 2024.
During this phase, the pre-qualified corps members will have the opportunity to showcase their business ideas and compete for funding.
The NNPC Foundation’s Financial Literacy program aims to equip Nigerian youths with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the exercise, the Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, said the selection criteria would focus on the feasibility and sustainability of the business idea, market relevance, competitive edge and innovation, scalability, the potential impact on the community, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the corps members
“We have identified these 2,659 individuals who are ready to present their business ideas to a distinguished panel of assessors,” Arukwe stated.
Arukwe informed that the Financial Literacy Programme is aligned with the NNPC Foundation’s mission of equipping young Nigerian graduates with the necessary skills for personal and professional development.
“By educating corps members on financial management and entrepreneurship, the program aims to empower them to become economically self-sufficient and to contribute positively to society,” she added.
During the pitching exercise, projects that stand out will receive startup packs, business advisory services, and opportunities to scale their ventures.
In a related development, the management of the NNPC Foundation has facilitated a significant 50 per cent reduction in the registration fee for corps members’ businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The NNPC Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of NNPC Limited. Its initiatives focus on enhancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development through targeted interventions in education, health, the environment, access to energy and youth empowerment to foster economic empowerment, promote entrepreneurship, and support sustainable development across the nation.
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
One of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) helicopter has crashed in the early hours of Monday in Tami village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.
According to ryewitness reports, the incident occurred at about 5:00am, causing significant alarm among villagers.
The helicopter, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his own survival.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage unscathed. Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no live was lost.
“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a villager who witnessed the crash.
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The elders of Mbayion and Yandev clans from Gboko local government area of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have unanimously agreed to support the administration of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the executive governor of Benue state and the Speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh (The Atonko u Mbatiav) for sustainable deliverance of democracy dividends to the masses of the state.
In similar vein, the Gboko local government area chapter of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch also pledged their total loyalty and support to the Governor of the state and the Speaker of the state Assembly for more economic stability and infrastructural development in the state.
The three groups made their position known on Sunday when Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, met with the esteemed Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Mbayion clan led by Elder Atsenda Ishwa Iortim in Gboko to appreciate them for coming out in their numbers to welcome the Governor during his thank you tour recently.
“I also had a meeting with the stakeholders of BEMOA, Gboko branch and appreciated them for their support on the day of Gov. Alia’s thank you visit to Gboko.
“In addition, I had a productive meeting with Hon. Batholomew Igbanum (Batho) in Yandev alongside his kinsmen who all agreed to support the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to bring more development to our dear State,” Speaker disclosed.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the Honourable Speaker (Atonko u Mbatiav) was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako, Hon. Solomon Gyila and Hon. Solomon Jiji Aluor.
By Sodiq Adelakun
Members of the Old Students Association of Odogbolu Grammar School’s 1979/84 set gathered on Friday, June 28, to commemorate significant milestones and reaffirm their commitment to supporting their alma mater.
The occasion marked 45 years since their admission to the school and 40 years since their graduation.
Speaking at the 40th-anniversary press conference, The Alumni President, Bolade Ogunfodun (BOT) emphasised the association’s dedication to giving back to the institution that shaped their formative years.
Highlighting their contributions over the years, President Ogunfodun announced the completion of a block of renovated classrooms, the provision of 120 new ironed chairs, and support for sporting activities among others.
“The essence of our reunion is to give back,” President Ogunfodun stated, reiterating the alumni’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational facilities and opportunities at Odogbolu Grammar School.
Among the distinguished alumni present was Prof. Adebola Osipitan, a former president and head boy of the 79/84 set, who spoke passionately about the alumni’s broader impact.
He revealed that the association has been creating welfare and job opportunities for members’ children and extending assistance to students and teachers alike.
“We began our efforts while some of us were still students, Our approach has always prioritised collaboration over pressure, laying a strong foundation for the association’s enduring structure,” Prof. Osipitan said.
Meanwhile, former students gathered to reminisce about their alma mater, recalling tough but transformative discipline, coordinated efforts among peers, and other formative experiences that shaped their lives.
In response to the reunion, Vice Principal Mr Oyibo expressed gratitude for the alumni’s commitment to their school and praised their initiative in launching projects aimed at benefiting current teachers and students.
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