The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd. has awarded grants to 215 youths to enable them start and grow businesses across the Niger Delta. This was announced at the graduation and award ceremony for the beneficiaries held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The company received 21,000 applications, and the beneficiaries were selected after a rigorous process, training, and business-plan development.
According to Mr. Igo Weli, Vice-President, Relations and Sustainable Development, Renaissance Africa, the large number of applications shows that the Niger Delta is not short of ideas or ambition, despite economic difficulties. He stated that the initiative is part of Renaissance Africa's efforts to invest in people and promote sustainable development in the Niger Delta. Weli advised the beneficiaries to demonstrate discipline, patience, and consistency to achieve sustainable success.
Weli urged the entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems, creating value, building customer trust, and continuously improving their knowledge. He emphasized that success is not measured only by how much money one makes but also by how many opportunities one creates for others. The event also witnessed the launch of the NNPC Renaissance Initiative for Sustainable Enterprise (NRiSE), a new enterprise development platform.
NRiSE is designed to build on the 22-year legacy of the company's LiveWIRE programme, which trained about 11,000 young entrepreneurs across the Niger Delta and supported thousands of businesses. Weli stated that NRiSE represents an enhanced enterprise development platform designed for emerging business realities. The initiative will provide mentorship, incubation, business advisory services, market linkages, and stronger partnerships.
Mr. Olanrewaju Igandan, Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), commended Renaissance Africa for continuing with the initiative. He stated that the programme provides the graduates with more than certificates, equipping them with tools and knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs. Igandan urged the graduates to grow their businesses and create employment opportunities.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Anita Ngere, Founder of Nebis Tech, said the programme gave her clarity, confidence, and exposure to opportunities that accelerated her business. She stated that the seed funding helped her acquire some needed items, while the knowledge gained encouraged her to pursue grants and incubation opportunities. Ngere had started her business before joining the programme.
The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd.'s initiative aims to empower young entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region. With the launch of NRiSE, the company is poised to make a positive impact on the region's economy. The programme has provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to access funding, mentorship, and business advisory services, enabling them to start and grow their businesses.
Key points
- 215 youths receive grants from Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd. to start and grow businesses in Niger Delta.
- NRiSE, a new enterprise development platform, is launched to build on the legacy of LiveWIRE programme.
- Beneficiaries receive seed funding, mentorship, and business advisory services to empower them to become successful entrepreneurs.
