By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has expanded its flagship economic empowerment initiative, the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), with the induction of 103 new beneficiaries into its 2026 programme.
The induction ceremony, held on Monday in Port Harcourt, signals a renewed push by the company to strengthen skills development and promote sustainable livelihoods across its host communities.

The newly admitted participants are set to undergo intensive capacity-building sessions, which will culminate in a competitive pitching stage where top business ideas will be selected based on defined evaluation criteria.

At the same event, 26 participants from the previous cohort formally graduated after completing their training and receiving grant support in the past year.

Many of the graduates have since recorded measurable progress, including improved financial management, expanded customer reach, and the transition from early-stage ideas to structured, revenue-generating enterprises. Some have also scaled production and diversified their services.

Speaking at the ceremony, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to community growth and economic inclusion.
“The VIBES programme reflects NLNG’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development in our host communities. Through targeted capacity building and enterprise support, we are strengthening local economies.

The graduation of one cohort and induction of another demonstrate the continuity of our investment in youth empowerment and innovation,” she said.

Horsfall described VIBES as a strategic initiative aligned with NLNG’s broader development goals, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting emerging business leaders.

Also addressing attendees, the Manager for Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, highlighted the tangible impact of the programme on beneficiaries.

“When we supported them last year, it was not only with training but also grants to strengthen their businesses. A year later, we can clearly see the results — businesses are growing, and beneficiaries are more confident in managing their ventures,” he noted.

VIBES is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills in financial management, marketing, business strategy, and legal fundamentals, alongside mentorship from industry professionals.

The programme combines training with funding support to help participants build sustainable and profitable enterprises.

As part of its wider sustainable development agenda, NLNG continues to invest in economic empowerment initiatives alongside education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

Through VIBES, the company aims to foster entrepreneurship, create economic value, and drive inclusive growth across communities in Rivers State.

Since the relaunch of the initiative, 26 participants have benefited from grants and successfully completed the programme.