By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
A total of ₦250 million in business grants has been disbursed to 51 entrepreneurs by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) at the close of its 2026 Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), marking a significant boost for small business development in Rivers State.
The beneficiaries received their cheques during a closing ceremony held in Port Harcourt, following a competitive pitch-a-thon that served as the programme’s finale.
The event saw participants present business ideas and funding proposals before a panel of judges, with winners selected based on viability, scalability, and sustainability.
The VIBES programme began with the induction of 103 participants drawn from NLNG’s host communities.
Over four weeks, they underwent intensive training covering financial management, business strategy, marketing, and operations.
Speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the funding initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between knowledge and execution for emerging entrepreneurs.
“What we are doing with this funding is bridging the gap between learning and execution. Many small businesses struggle at that stage where they have the knowledge but lack the capital to move forward,” she said.
“Through VIBES, we are providing targeted support to help these entrepreneurs implement their ideas, stabilise their operations, and position their businesses for growth.”
Horsfall noted that the initiative aligns with NLNG’s broader commitment to sustainable community development by combining capacity building with financial support to create lasting economic impact. “It is about providing sustainable livelihoods,” she added.
Also speaking, the Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, commended participants for their dedication and the quality of their business ideas.
He stated that the grants would serve as critical growth capital to help beneficiaries expand operations, improve productivity, and create jobs.
Adeyemi reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to enterprise development and its continued support for initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and economic inclusion in host communities.
The VIBES programme, built on innovation, scalability, and sustainability, underscores NLNG’s strategy of integrating training with funding to empower entrepreneurs and drive long-term economic growth.
