NLNG Inducts 103 Trainees into 2026 VIBES Programme, Graduates 26 Young Entrepreneurs
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has inducted 103 trainees into the 2026 edition of its Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), reinforcing its commitment to youth entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in host communities.
The induction ceremony, held on Monday in Port Harcourt, also celebrated the graduation of 26 beneficiaries from the programme’s previous cohort, many of whom have recorded notable progress in their businesses since receiving training and grant support last year.
The newly inducted participants will undergo a series of structured capacity-building sessions covering key aspects of enterprise development.
The training will culminate in a competitive pitching phase where the most viable business proposals will be selected based on clearly defined evaluation criteria.
One year after receiving support, several members of the graduating cohort have strengthened their business operations, improved financial management, expanded their customer base, and transitioned from early-stage ideas into structured, revenue-generating enterprises.
Some have also scaled up production and diversified their services, reflecting measurable business growth and improved operational stability.
Speaking at the induction ceremony, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to long-term 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, 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.
Horsfall added that the initiative is a strategic intervention aligned with the company’s broader sustainability goals, noting that the programme is designed to build entrepreneurial capacity and strengthen networks for emerging business leaders and community change-makers.
Also speaking at the event, the Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Yemi Adeyemi, described the milestone as rewarding and highlighted the progress recorded by the graduating participants.
“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,” Adeyemi said.
The VIBES initiative is NLNG’s economic empowerment programme designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
Participants receive training in financial management, marketing, business strategy, and foundational legal principles, supported by mentorship and advisory guidance from experienced professionals.
According to NLNG, the 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 central pillar of the company’s broader sustainable development efforts, alongside education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Through VIBES, NLNG aims to support more young entrepreneurs in building viable businesses and contributing to economic growth in its host and pipeline communities across Rivers State.
Since the programme’s relaunch, 26 participants have so far received grant support and completed their training under the initiative.
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