The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has unveiled a new economic empowerment initiative in Rivers State — the Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES) — aimed at boosting entrepreneurship across its host communities.Inaugurated on Monday in Port Harcourt, the scheme will award $1,300 business grants to the top 50 participants, alongside intensive training and mentorship support.

Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, described VIBES as a strategic replacement for the company’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), which began in 2004.“Entrepreneurship goes beyond starting businesses—it involves creating opportunities that drive economic growth and social transformation,” Horsfall stated, in a message delivered by Charles Epelle, Manager of Community Relations and Sustainable Development.

VIBES is set to reach over 110 host and pipeline communities in Rivers State, offering beneficiaries hands-on vocational training to build both technical and managerial skills.

According to Horsfall, the top 50 participants will each receive a grant of $1,300 (approximately N2.91 million), “disbursed in two tranches,” and gain access to “mentorship, networking, and business support services.”

She emphasized that the shift from YES to VIBES is informed by lessons learned over the past two decades.

While over 1,400 youths were trained under the YES programme, only about 300 succeeded in establishing sustainable businesses.

“To address this challenge, NLNG launched the VIBES scheme in partnership with experts in entrepreneurship, business development, law, technology, and innovation,” she explained.

With its renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and measurable outcomes, NLNG says VIBES aims to nurture job creators and unlock lasting impact within local communities.