The Nigeria LNG Limited’s economic empowerment initiative, the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), has formally inducted 103 new trainees into its 2026 programme.
The induction ceremony held on Monday in Port Harcourt brings a fresh group of entrepreneurs into VIBES, a structured entrepreneurship programme designed to build practical business skills, provide mentorship and support small business growth. The participants will go through a series of capacity‑building sessions before presenting business proposals in a competitive pitching phase where viable ideas will be selected for further support.
At the same event, 26 beneficiaries from the previous cohort were celebrated as they completed their training and graduated from the programme. These graduates received grant support last year and have since strengthened their operations, improved financial management practices, broadened their customer base and moved from early‑stage concepts to more stable revenue‑generating businesses.
One year after receiving support, several graduates have scaled up production, diversified their services and shown measurable business growth.
Speaking at the induction in Port Harcourt, the general manager, external relations and sustainable development, Sophia Horsfall, spoke about NLNG’s commitment to sustainable community development through initiatives like VIBES. She said the programme aligns with NLNG’s broader sustainable development goals and is meant to cultivate entrepreneurial capability and build networks that help emerging business leaders and community change‑makers thrive.
“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, we are strengthening the local economy across our host and pipeline communities. The graduation of one cohort and the induction of another showcase the continuity of our investment in youth empowerment, innovation, and enterprise development as key drivers of inclusive growth,” she said.
Also addressing the event, the manager, community relations and sustainable development, Yemi Adeyemi, reflected on the progress of last year’s cohort.
“When we supported them last year, it was not only with training but also with grants to help strengthen their businesses. A year later, we can see the difference, businesses are expanding, ideas have moved beyond the planning stage, and the beneficiaries are more confident in managing their ventures. That is the essence of VIBES, practical support that helps people make real progress.”
VIBES is NLNG’s flagship entrepreneurship support scheme for young entrepreneurs from its host and pipeline communities. It provides practical training in financial management, marketing, business strategy, and basic legal principles, combined with mentorship from experienced professionals. Top participants may receive business support grants to help scale their operations and build sustainable enterprises. The programme also offers networking opportunities and ongoing support through an alumni network.
VIBES was relaunched in 2025 to replace the former Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), which started in 2004. Since its inception under the new model, the programme has trained and supported hundreds of young business owners, helping some establish viable enterprises and create jobs in their communities.
