In a resounding affirmation of commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development, Unity Bank Plc has disbursed a total of N10 million as business grants to 30 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The grants were awarded as part of the 10th edition of the bank’s flagship initiative, the Corpreneurship Challenge, aimed at fostering innovative business solutions and job creation.
The winners emerged from a pool of talented and driven young entrepreneurs who showcased their business acumen across various sectors during a rigorous business pitch conducted across 10 NYSC Orientation Camps nationwide. Notably, Azegba Chimuanya Perpetual, focusing on honey production, clinched the overall prize of N500,000 at the camp in Akwa Ibom State, while others like Iyorwa Kater Israel and Egelonu Emmanuel Friday secured grants of N300,000 and N200,000 respectively for their commendable ventures in rice farming and snail farming.
Beyond these top achievers, 27 other promising entrepreneurs across different economic segments, including fish production, poultry farming, fashion, soap and cake making, printing, piggery, and beverage making, also secured grants through their innovative business proposals.
Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina, the Head of Retail and SME Banking Group at Unity Bank, lauded the initiative’s impact on Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape and job creation, acknowledging its role as a formidable business incubation platform. He emphasized the initiative’s success in seamlessly integrating financial support, mentorship, and skill development to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs.
Highlighting the core ethos of the initiative, Ojesina stressed Unity Bank’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while underscoring the bank’s dedication to providing tailored financial solutions that empower corp members to realize their business dreams.
The program’s success lies not only in its financial assistance but also in its robust mentorship component, connecting corp members with seasoned professionals to provide guidance and insights, reinforcing Unity Bank’s belief that true empowerment extends beyond financial aid to honing entrepreneurial skills.
Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge has garnered national recognition for its profound impact on youth empowerment and job creation, consistently attracting significant interest from corp members with over 2000 applicants participating in each edition. In collaboration with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), the initiative offers corp members a platform to present their business plans, competing for cash grants of up to N500,000.
With a cumulative investment exceeding N100 million and 148 winners produced since its inception, Unity Bank remains committed to fostering entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth, propelling them towards sustainable business growth and economic development.
